Identity theft on my NY unemployment account - no payments for 9 months

Filing a complaint with your state representative's office is the best move tbh. They can often push things through faster than you could on your own. My cousin waited 6 months with zero movement until she did this and suddenly her claim was processed within a week.

After being stuck in the same broken system for months, I finally got through using Claimyr.com. It basically waits on hold for you then connects you to an agent when one picks up. Talking to an actual person finally got my account fixed and my backpay was in my account 3 days later. Literally the best thing I've spent money on all year since it got me all my benefits. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The identity theft problem with ny unemployment is OUT OF CONTROL right now. I personally know 4 people who've had the same issue in the past year. The worst part is that the burden of proof is on us even tho THEY have the crappy security. Total BS.

have u tried going in person to a DOL office? sometimes thats the only way to get this stuff fixed. the phone system is a joke and the website is even worse lol.

DOCUMENT. EVERYTHING. Every time you call, every email, every piece of mail. Take screenshots of your account. If this goes on much longer you might need to consider legal action (I know a guy who finally got his $ after his lawyer sent a letter). Also try calling right at 8:30 instead of 8:00 - sometimes the initial rush dies down.

When my account had fraud, I actually had more luck with email than phone. Try emailing NYSDOLCommissioner@labor.ny.gov with URGENT FRAUD CASE in the subject line. Include your name, last 4 of SSN, and detailed timeline. I got a callback within 3 days.

Here's a comprehensive guide for dealing with NY unemployment fraud based on what finally worked for me: First, keep trying the phones but be strategic. Tuesday-Thursday between 2-3pm often has slightly lower call volumes. Second, file a police report for identity theft - this is CRITICAL. Many don't know this helps with unemployment fraud but it does. Third, contact the NY Dept of Labor via Twitter DM. Their social media team sometimes responds faster than phone. Fourth, try Claimyr.com to get through on the phone. I was skeptical but it worked when nothing else did. They basically wait on hold for you and call when a human answers. Fifth, contact your state assembly person AND senator. Send them copies of all your documentation. Finally, if nothing else works, file a complaint with the NY Attorney General's office. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with unemployment - you have to attack this from multiple angles. It took me 4 months but I finally got all my backpay + interest.

Did you try calling the fraud department directly? Their number is different than the main unemployment line: (888) 598-2077. Sometimes you can actually get through there.

lmaaaooo welcome to ny unemployment hell.🔥 i waited 11 months for my identity theft issue to be resolved. ended up having to find a new job and move in with my parents at 32. the system is beyond broken.

i know this might sound weird but try calling the spanish line even if u dont speak spanish. the wait times are usually WAY shorter and most of the agents speak english too. just say "english please" when they answer.

If your BYE date is coming up, you need to handle that separately from the fraud issue. Make sure you refile before the date or you'll have even more problems. The system won't remind you to do this - it's on you to remember.

have u checked ur spam folder? sometimes their identity verification emails go there and if u don't respond in 3 days they close ur case 😱

The exact same thing happend to me in November! My direct deposit was changed to some random account. I spent 2+ months calling endlessly. Finally got it resolved using one of those auto-dialer services (claimyr.com). Wasnt cheap but i was desperate and it got me through in one day. The agent verified my identity and it took about 3 weeks to get all my backpay after that.

I filed a complaint with the State Department of Financial Services and that actually got results when nothing else worked. They handle financial fraud cases and can put pressure on DOL. heres the link: https://www.dfs.ny.gov/complaint

honestly bro u might be better off just focusin on finding work at this point. The system is FUBAR and even if u do get thru it could be months before u see $$$. Not tryin to be negative but thats the reality with how bad ny unemployment is rn.