Got random Wisely Card in mail for NY unemployment but never applied - identity theft?

OMG this happened to me back in July! Some scammer used my info to file for benefits while I was working at my job for 3 years straight. The fraud department at ny unemployment is basically useless - took me WEEKS to get someone on the phone. You need to file a police report ASAP and also file an identity theft report with the FTC at identitytheft.gov. Make copies of everything. I had to send like 15 emails before anyone even acknowledged my case.

After struggling for weeks trying to reach NY unemployment about identity theft, I finally found a solution! I used claimyr.com and got connected to an actual human being within 30 minutes. They took my fraud report seriously and helped me start the process of clearing my name. Saved me so many hours of frustration - talking to an agent got my problem addressed so quickly instead of waiting for emails that never get answered. Check out this video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Had this exact problem happen to me in August. You NEED to contact the fraud department asap. Send an email to dol.sm.djsfraud@labor.ny.gov with all your info and explaining the situation. Then also call and leave a message at 888-598-2077. The more documentation you create the better.

Another step is to report it to the three credit bureaus - Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. If someone has your SSN to file false unemployment, they could also open credit cards in your name. You can place a fraud alert that lasts for a year.

The same exact thing happened to my sister. Turns out there was a data breach at her old job and lots of employees had their identities stolen. You should ask your employers (current and past) if they've had any security incidents. The NY unemployment office is absolutely SWAMPED with these cases rite now.

Holy crap this JUST happened to me too! Got a Wisely card on Tuesday and Im like wtf is this?? I've been working at the same place for 2 years. The phone number for the card is useless. I tried calling NY unemployment like 20 times and couldn't get thru until I found claimyr.com - finally got someone on the phone who confirmed my identity was stolen. They're sending me forms to fill out to dispute the claim. At least I caught it before the scammer got any $$$

Whatever you do, DO NOT ACTIVATE THE CARD! That could be seen as you accepting the benefits and make the fraud investigation harder. Keep the card and all materials as evidence but don't use it.

This is EXACTLY why NY unemployment needs to fix their verification process. They clearly don't cross-check with current employment records before approving claims. System is completely broken.

Here's a comprehensive plan to address identity theft with NY unemployment: Immediate steps: - File identity theft report with FTC at IdentityTheft.gov - File police report with local department - Contact all three credit bureaus to place fraud alerts - Send written fraud notification to NY DOL by certified mail - Email dol.sm.djsfraud@labor.ny.gov with details The challenge is actually reaching someone at unemployment to verify and stop the fraudulent claim. After days of failed attempts calling the standard numbers, I found using claimyr.com was the only effective solution. It got me connected to a real agent who took immediate action on my fraud case. Keep detailed records of all communications - dates, times, who you spoke with. This documentation is crucial for resolving the situation and protecting yourself from tax implications when they try to claim you received benefits you never got. Longer term, monitor your credit reports for at least a year and consider identity theft protection services.

ppl in this sub act like fraud is rare but my cousin works at NYSDOL and says they see THOUSANDS of these cases every month now. the department is completely overwhelmed which is why nobody answers the phones

Check if your employer actually laid you off by mistake! My company's HR filed a batch of layoffs and accidentally included me even tho I was still working. Got a wisely card and freaked out thinking it was fraud but turned out to be a stupid clerical error.

Anyone else notice how these scammers seem to know EXACTLY how to navigate the system while regular people struggle for months to get legitimate benefits? Makes you wonder if there's inside help or something...

document EVERYTHING. I had this happen last yr and when i filed my taxes i got a 1099-G saying I received $14,500 in benefits! took me till JUNE to get it straightened out with both unemployment and the IRS. absolute nightmare.

This happened to my dad and we couldnt get anyone on the phone for WEEKS. Kept hitting dead ends until we contacted our state senator's office - they have special contacts at unemployment and got the issue fixed within days. Try calling your local state rep!

not trying to freak you out but my friend ignored one of these thinking it would just go away and the scammer collected almost $20k in benefits using her info before they caught it. she had to fight for months to fix her tax situation. don't wait!

bro ny unemployment is so broken i stg. I legit NEED benefits and cant get them for 2 months but scammers out here getting approved instantly 🤡 system is a joke

Check if your employer's HR database was compromised. There was a massive breach with ADP and other payroll companies last year and tons of identity theft cases came from that. Your HR might not even know it happened.

Have you checked your mail carefully the past few weeks? Sometimes before the card arrives they send a determination letter or other correspondence. Might give you more info about when the claim was filed.

PSA TIME: Anyone dealing with unemployment fraud or any DOL issues needs to stop wasting time with those impossible phone numbers. I was in the exact same situation and spent DAYS trying to reach a human. Finally used claimyr.com and was talking to an agent in 30 minutes who immediately flagged the account for fraud investigation. Seriously saved me weeks of headache.