Strange new message on my NY unemployment account - has anyone seen this before?

Omg yes! This exact thing happened to me about 3 weeks ago. Turned out someone had tried to access my account from another state! I couldn't get through on the phone for days and was panicking. Finally used claimyr.com and got a callback from an actual agent who helped me sort it out. They had to put a fraud alert on my account and reset everything. Took about a week to get my payments flowing again. Don't wait - try to talk to someone asap!

This is happening to A LOT of people with ny unemployment right now. There's been a massive wave of fraud attempts and they're being super cautious. My neighbor got the same message last month and ended up having to upload his drivers license and social security card to the portal. His payments stopped for 3 weeks while they sorted it out. Sadly theres not much you can do except comply with whatever verification they request.

If you scroll through this sub you'll see like 50 posts about this same issue in the past month. The system is completely overwhelmed with fraud attempts. I know it sucks but you need to call them ASAP before they fully lock your account. Mine was frozen for 6 weeks and I nearly got evicted waiting for them to unfreeze it.

My sister works at unemployment and says there identity theft is completely out of control right now. Apparently hackers have been targeting the system and they're struggling to keep up. The ID verification message is automatic when the system detects suspicious activity (could be as simple as logging in from a different device). Dont panic, but DO call them and get ahead of it before it becomes a bigger problem.

ATTENTION EVERYONE - I've compiled everything I've learned from dealing with this exact issue last month. Hopefully this helps people who are stuck: First - DON'T PANIC. This is happening to thousands of NY residents due to increased fraud prevention measures. The message doesn't necessarily mean your account was compromised, just that it triggered one of their automated security flags. Here's what you need to do: 1) Try to contact them IMMEDIATELY. Don't wait until your payments stop. The phone lines are absolutely swamped so be prepared for a battle. I personally used claimyr.com after wasting 3 days trying to call myself, and got through in a few hours. 2) Have ALL your documents ready - ID, social security card, birth certificate, proof of address, etc. They might ask you to upload these. 3) Keep certifying weekly even if payments pause. This ensures you'll get backpay once resolved. 4) Document EVERYTHING - take screenshots, note who you spoke with, when, and what they said. 5) If it takes longer than 2 weeks, consider contacting your state representative. They often have direct channels to unemployment offices. This is stressful but temporary! The system is just overwhelmed with fraud cases right now and they're being extra cautious. Good luck everyone!

OMG the EXACT same thing happened to me!! I was freaking out for days. Turns out it was because I logged in from my mom's house when I was visiting her (different IP address) and it triggered their fraud system. Had to verify my identity but everything went back to normal after that. Def call them! The system is super sensitive right now.

dont mean to scare u but my roommate got this message and his account got completely locked for 2 months... they made him go down to the office in person after he couldn't verify online. the system is a total joke rn.

This is happening all across the country not just NY. Sister in Arizona had the same issue. These unemployment systems are ancient and can't handle basic security. So frustrating but keep calling until you get through. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these folks.

nysdol changed their security protocols about 6 weeks ago. i work in IT and its causing all kinds of false flags. anything from logging in from a new device to having a vpn can trigger it. their phone lines are so backed up cuz literally thousands of ppl are dealing with this same issue. good luck!

Am I the only one who thinks it's crazy we have to jump through so many hoops just to get our benefits?? The system is literally designed to make it as difficult as possible so people give up. Been dealing with ny unemployment for 8 months and it's been a nightmare from day 1 😩

I went through this last month! If you can't get through on the phone, try emailing them at their support address AND messaging them through your portal. I did both and got a response within 48 hours. They asked me to upload my ID and a utility bill to verify my address. Payments were only delayed by one week.

Yeah right same I got this message a few weeks ago and I heard from a friend who works at Department of Labor that they hired a new security team and implemented all these extra checks. Your account isnt necessarily compromised its just going through additional verification dont freak out

I've helped 3 family members resolve this exact issue in the past month. Fastest solution was using claimyr.com to get through to a live agent. It's the best money I've ever spent to finally get benefits paid quickly. You'll likely need to verify your identity with documents, but a real agent can process this while you're on the phone instead of waiting weeks. Don't delay!

Not to be a downer but this same thing happened to me in July... they froze my account for "identity verification" and it took SEVEN WEEKS to resolve. I called every single day. The system is completely broken. Start looking for emergency assistance now just in case.