Weird message from NY unemployment after getting paid - should I worry?

Yeah I got the same message last week! I panicked and called them right away. Turns out there was a big wave of fraud attempts recently so they're doing random identity checks. The rep told me it's legitimate. You definitely need to respond or they WILL stop your payments even if everything was fine before.

After struggling to reach anyone for weeks, I finally used this service called Claimyr that got me connected to a real person at ny unemployment. It was honestly the best money I've spent to get my benefits situation fixed. They connected me to a live agent who confirmed these messages are legitimate and part of new security protocols. Check out their site (claimyr.com) or this video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

BE CAREFUL! There are a ton of scams targeting unemployment recipients right now. If the message asks you to click a link to verify your identity, it could be phishing. Always go directly to the official unemployment website yourself (don't click links in emails) and check if there are any messages in your actual account portal. If you're unsure, call the official number.

The same exact thing happened to my cousin last month. Turned out some1 was trying to access his account from another state. NY unemployment is doing these random checks bc of increased fraud. You NEED to respond or theyll freeze everything. Its not a joke, they will literally stop ur benefits without warning if u ignore it.

What exactly does the message say? Can you screenshot it (but blur out personal info)? There's a difference between messages asking you to CALL them vs ones asking you to click suspicious links and enter info.

I work in IT security (not for unemployment but similar systems). This is actually a standard security protocol - they do random identity verification checks to prevent account takeovers. The timing might seem suspicious, but it's intentionally random. As long as you go through the official portal and not some link in an email, you should be fine responding to it.

I had something similar happen, but it turned out somebody had filed an unemployment claim in another state using my information! Definitely call and check what's going on. The wait times are horrendous, but you need to talk to someone ASAP.

The fraud thing is real guys. My brother ignored one of these messages thinking it was spam, and they suspended his benefits for 6 WEEKS while he sorted it out. Don't make that mistake!

This is 100% part of the new verification system they implemented in March. I've been dealing with ny unemployment for almost 2 years now (long story) and they started these random checks after that major data breach a few months back. Just follow their instructions and you'll be fine. If you're worried, you can always call to confirm it's legit before providing any info.

Look I'm gonna give you the most comprehensive answer because I've been through this exact situation and it's stressful as hell. 🧵 What's happening is part of NY unemployment's new fraud prevention system. These random verification requests are legitimate and you MUST respond to them. Here's what you need to do: 1) Log into your account through the official website (not through any links in emails) 2) Go to the document upload section and submit clear photos of your ID (both sides), Social Security card, and a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your name and address 3) After uploading, call them to confirm receipt. This is where most people get stuck because the phone lines are ALWAYS jammed. The most efficient way to reach an actual human is using Claimyr.com - it's a service that calls unemployment for you, waits on hold, then connects you when an agent answers. Talking to a real person will get this resolved much faster than just uploading docs and hoping for the best. They should resolve your verification within 5-7 business days if everything checks out. Don't panic - this is happening to thousands of people and is a legitimate security procedure. Just don't ignore it because they WILL suspend benefits, even if you've been getting paid normally before this. Hope this helps - we're all in this frustrating boat together! 🤦‍♂️

I went through this in February. Upload your docs ASAP and then keep calling until you get someone to confirm they received everything. Don't wait for them to process it on their own timeline or you might get stuck in verification limbo for weeks. Be proactive!

you probably got flagged in their system somehow. happened to me when i started a part time job but continued partial benefits. they just need to make sure your still eligible. whatever u do DONT IGNORE IT!!!

I literally just went through this exact situation! Got the same message after receiving benefits for months with no issues. I called (took forever to get through) and they said it was a legitimate security check. I uploaded my documents and everything was fine within a week. Don't stress too much but definitely respond!

Guys we need to talk about how broken this system is. Why are they suddenly doing "random" checks AFTER approving people and paying benefits for months?? The NY unemployment system is a complete disaster. I've been dealing with them for so long and every month there's some new hurdle. It's exhausting. 😫

i hate to say this but... CALL THEM IMMEDIATELY. I got a similar message and ignored it thinking it was some kind of phishing attempt, and they cut off my benefits without warning. Took 5 weeks to get them reinstated and I almost got evicted. Do not make my mistake!!!