ESD fraud department contact info needed - Received weird benefits I didn't apply for

You need to contact the ESD fraud department right away. The official number is 800-246-9763. You can also report it online at esd.wa.gov/fraud. Make sure you keep copies of any letters you received and document when you call. This is definitely identity theft and you should also consider placing a credit freeze with the major credit bureaus.

omg this happened to my cousin last year!! such a nightmare for her. took like 6 months to get fixed!!! make sure u get a case # when u call them or they'll lose ur info

I work in HR and we're seeing this ALL THE TIME now. Here's what you need to do: 1. Report to ESD fraud (800-246-9763) 2. File an identity theft report with the FTC at identitytheft.gov 3. Contact all three credit bureaus to place a fraud alert 4. File a police report with your local department 5. Notify your employer's HR department Don't panic about owing taxes - once ESD confirms the fraud, they'll issue a corrected 1099 or documentation showing you weren't the actual recipient.

If you're having trouble getting through to ESD (which is VERY likely), I'd recommend using Claimyr. It helped me get through to an actual person after trying for weeks. Their system calls ESD for you and connects you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of redial hell. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and sign up at claimyr.com. For fraud issues especially, you really need to talk to a human.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! ESD doesn't care about identity theft victims AT ALL. I've been dealing with this for 9 MONTHS and they still send me notices saying I owe money back for benefits someone else collected. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING and send all communication certified mail!!

When I had this problem the frustrating part was I kept getting transferred between departments. The main ESD line would transfer me to fraud, fraud would transfer me to claims, claims would say it's a fraud issue... round and round. Make sure you clearly explain it's an identity theft situation right away so they route you correctly.

just wonderin but did u change jobs recently? sometimes when u leave a job they automatically file for u even if u got a new job already. happened to my brother in law and it wasnt actually fraud just a mistake

One more important thing - when you call the fraud line, specifically request that they flag your account with a "fraud indicator." This will prevent any further claims from being automatically processed under your name. Also ask them to issue you a fraud investigation case number that you can reference in follow-up calls.

Quick update for those following this thread - ESD has actually created a specific Identity Theft form to streamline these reports. Go to esd.wa.gov, search for "Unemployment benefits fraud" and look for the secure form upload option. You'll need to provide ID documentation, but it creates a direct case in their system rather than relying on phone calls.