NY unemployment benefits stolen - KeyBank card used at old address

I went through something very similar last year. It's absolutely critical that you do the following: 1. Document EVERYTHING - dates you called KeyBank, case number from your police report, and all attempted contacts with NYSDOL 2. Submit a secure message through your NY.gov account - go to your unemployment dashboard, click on "Messages" and specifically state this is regarding BENEFIT FRAUD/IDENTITY THEFT 3. Contact the NYSDOL Fraud Investigation Unit directly at 888-598-2077 (this is separate from the regular unemployment line) 4. File Form TC-1 (Stolen Benefits Claim) - you can download it from the NYSDOL website under "Forms" The regular unemployment lines are completely overwhelmed right now due to the seasonal layoffs, but the fraud department should respond within 7-10 business days. They'll freeze the compromised account and start an investigation.

OMG this EXACT thing happened to me!!! The whole KeyBank system is a JOKE. I spent MONTHS trying to get my money back after someone stole my card. The DOL doesn't care AT ALL and just keeps telling you to call KeyBank, then KeyBank tells you to call DOL. It's a complete scam if you ask me. I filed all the reports back in May 2025 and I'm STILL fighting with them! Good luck getting through to anyone who actually helps.

I had a very frustrating experience trying to reach someone at NYSDOL about a similar issue. After trying for weeks with no success, I discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending hours redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The NYSDOL agent was able to file an emergency claim redirect for me once I explained the fraud situation. Much faster than continuing to try the regular number.

Let me clarify some things about this situation as someone who worked with these cases: 1. This is considered "benefits fraud" not just a lost card issue 2. You need to file Form TC-1.5 (updated from TC-1 in early 2025) 3. You MUST report address changes within 7 days to NYSDOL separately from KeyBank 4. KeyBank will require a notarized fraud affidavit before they'll replace funds 5. There's a 45-day investigation period by law Most important: Check your 1099-G tax form carefully next year, as you'll be taxed on ALL benefits issued in your name, even the stolen ones, until the investigation is complete. File an amended return if needed.

this happened to my cousin and she got her $ back but it took like 3 months. the secret is u gotta call right when they open at 8am and keep hitting 0 until u get a person. dont listen to the automated msgs. good luck!

I need to correct some misinformation here. As someone who went through this process recently: 1. Form TC-1.5 is for tax credit issues, not benefits fraud. You need to file the UI Fraud Report (Form FP-74) for stolen benefits 2. Call wait times are shortest on Thursdays between 1-3pm according to the NYSDOL's own statistics 3. You need to request a "benefits redirect" immediately to ensure new payments go to a different payment method 4. Most importantly, you need to formally request a BFR (Benefit Fraud Review) in writing through your NY.gov account to start the official clock on your case For the person who mentioned tax implications - that's absolutely correct and the most overlooked part of this whole mess.

just wondering if u knew the card was going to ur old address why didnt u update it sooner? not blaming u just seems like something u could have prevented

I want to address something important that several people have mentioned - the tax implications. If your benefits were stolen, you MUST take these steps to avoid tax problems: 1. As soon as the fraud investigation is complete, request a corrected 1099-G form 2. If you can't get a corrected form before tax time, file IRS Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) along with your tax return 3. Keep copies of all fraud documentation with your tax records for at least 7 years 4. Check your credit reports for any other potential identity theft issues Many people focus only on getting their benefits back and forget about the tax implications until they get a surprise bill from the IRS the following year.

I work at a community legal aid office, and we see this issue frequently. In addition to the great advice already given, I strongly recommend you contact your state representative's office. They have dedicated staff who can escalate unemployment issues and often get results much faster than going through normal channels. Just google "NY state assembly member [your neighborhood]" to find your rep. Good luck!

UPDATE: I wanted to thank everyone for their helpful advice! I've taken several steps: 1. Filed the FP-74 fraud form 2. Set up a fraud alert with credit bureaus 3. Left a detailed message through my NY.gov account 4. Called my state assembly member's office (they were super helpful!) 5. Successfully used Claimyr to reach an agent who put a hold on the compromised account The agent I spoke with said this happens more often than people realize. They're sending me a new KeyBank card to my CURRENT address and started the fraud investigation. They said I should expect to wait about 30-45 days for the investigation, but at least new benefits will be protected. I'll update again when I know more!