Identity theft nightmare with NY unemployment - how to recover?

this happened to me too! I found out when I got a notice from IRS saying I underreported income. Turns out some jerk was collecting $5,600 in benefits using my info. I was able to fix it but it took FOREVER. You need to file a police report first, then contact the fraud department (keep trying!), and file form IRS 14039 identity theft affidavit. Also freeze your credit at all 3 bureaus immediately!

OMG I've been in EXACTLY this situation. Was losing my mind trying to get thru to ny unemployment for weeks. Finally I found this service online called claimyr.com that solved it for me. They call and wait on hold then connect you when a person picks up! Check out this video: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - talking to an agent got my issue fixed in one call after weeks of frustration. It was the only way I could talk to a live agent.

You need to contact the IRS too! Don't just deal with unemployment. Once someone has your info they can do a lot more damage. The IRS has a specific department for identity theft issues. Also PLEASE report this to the FTC at identitytheft.gov - they have a step by step process to follow.

Here's what you need to do (I work as a tax preparer and see this ALL THE TIME): First, document everything. Create a paper trail of all communication. Second, file a police report immediately - you'll need this report number for various agencies. Third, contact all three credit bureaus to place a fraud alert AND credit freeze on your accounts: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Fourth, file an Identity Theft Affidavit with the IRS (Form 14039). Fifth, contact NYS Department of Labor fraud department - but be prepared for a LONG wait. I've had clients use claimyr.com to actually get through - it calls and waits on hold for you. This has been invaluable for resolving these cases quickly. Sixth, file a complaint with the FTC at identitytheft.gov Lastly, you'll need to send a written response to the 1099-G disputing it. Send certified mail with return receipt. Don't panic. This happens more than you'd believe, and with persistence it can be resolved!

I swear the ny unemployment system is literally DESIGNED to be impossible to navigate. It's like they don't want you to fix problems 🙄

When this happened to me I was a trainwreck for weeks. Turned out my data was stolen in a company breach (never found out which one). Got a lawyer but honestly wasn't worth the $. Just keep detailed records of EVERYTHING. Take screenshots, record call times, etc. You'll need to prove you've been trying to resolve it.

Can we just talk about how INSANE it is that someone can easily steal ur identity and get thousands in benefits but when its YOUR legit claim it takes 47 years and a blood sacrifice to get approved??? Make it make sense 🤯

my partners cousin's identity was stolen for unemployment benefits last summer and tbh the cops did nothing. they filed a report and that was it. the most helpful thing they did was use claimyr.com to get thru to unemployment - at least those people actually did something about stopping the fraud.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you check ALL your credit reports and accounts for other fraudulent activity. These scammers rarely stop at unemployment fraud - they'll try to open credit cards, loans, etc. Get the Experian app and set up alerts for any changes to your credit.

pro tip: call your local state representatives office. seriously. they have direct lines to unemployment and can elevate cases. I wasted 2 weeks calling before my sister suggested this and within 3 days my case was being handled.

not exact same situation but similar - im a victim of the ny data breach from a few months ago. the unemployment systems security is TRASH and they know it. Write to your state reps to demand better security measures!!

Question for anyone who's been thru this - how do you actually PROVE you didn't file for benefits? Like isn't it hard to prove a negative?

fyi there's a DEDICATED FRAUD LINE: 1-888-598-2077 but they are also swamped with calls. i just used claimyr.com to get through yesterday after giving up on waiting on hold myself.

if your employer doesnt verify that you werent actually laid off, you might be dealing with this for awhile. make sure you contact ur current/former employer to have them confirm with unemployment that you never lost your job.

anyone have a lawyer recommendation who specializes in this kind of stuff? im in a similar situation but might need legal help