The Missouri Department of Employment Security (DES) is always on the lookout for unemployment insurance fraud. People caught committing UI fraud will lose their Missouri unemployment benefits, as well as face steep fines and even jail time.
How to report Missouri unemployment fraud
If you suspect fraud, you can report it to the DES and they will investigate the claim.
Unemployment benefits are funded by taxpayer dollars. UI fraud affects everyone by draining the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund and increasing costs for employers. Preventing and reporting unemployment fraud protects taxpayers and helps ensure UI benefits are available for those who truly need them.
You can report Ui fraud online, by email, and by telephone.
Report UI fraud online
You can report fraud anonymously using the Fraud Reporting Tool via the UInteract website.
Report UI fraud by email
Download the Fraud Reporting Form and email the completed form to [email protected].
Report UI fraud by phone
To report Missouri unemployment fraud by phone, call the Fraud Hotline at 573-751-4058, option 5.
What is Missouri unemployment fraud?
Missouri unemployment fraud occurs when someone falsely claims unemployment benefits in the state of Missouri. This type of fraud can take many forms, but some common examples include:
- Failing to report your earnings or understating your income, which can lead to overpayments of unemployment benefits.
- Making a false statement or withholding information in order to be eligible for Missouri UI benefits. This might involve lying about their employment status or the reason for their unemployment.
- Being dishonest about returning to work or when refusing work while still collecting benefits.
- Creating fake job contacts and lying about your Missouri unemployment work search requirements
- Someone using another person’s identity to claim benefits is a form of identity theft. This includes using another person’s Social Security number or other personal information without their permission.
If a claimant commits fraud to obtain unemployment insurance benefits, they can face serious consequences. These can include being required to repay the benefits, fines, and potential legal action, including criminal charges.
You must honestly report all your earnings each week when you file your weekly claim for UI benefits. That includes part-time wages, tips, bonuses, vacation pay, and holiday pay. The DES randomly checks claimants every week and reaches out to the employers to verify your application.
Knowingly making false statements when you apply for Missouri unemployment benefits is fraud. And if you end up getting overpaid, you’re required to pay back the extra money. The DES values any information regarding fraudulent claims.
Overpayments
When someone receives more unemployment benefits than they should, that’s called an overpayment. The Missouri DES actively checks new hire data and compares it with the wages that employers report for people claiming unemployment benefits. When they find an irregularity, they send an Audit and Investigation form to the employer to confirm if the benefits were overpaid.
When DES finds out that a claimant didn’t report earnings while getting unemployment insurance benefits, that person will have to repay those benefits.
Some overpayments happen by accident, but if the claimant knowingly lied to get UI benefits, they can receive a fine. You can always estimate your weekly benefit amount using the Missouri unemployment calculator. Claimants can also lose their right to benefits and could even be arrested, fined, and put in jail.
Unemployment Identity Theft
Missouri unemployment identity theft is a form of fraud where someone uses another person’s personal information without their consent to fraudulently claim unemployment benefits. This typically involves the unauthorized use of the victim’s Social Security number and other personal details.
Fraudulent activity can lead to victims receiving unexpected tax documents, such as form 1099-G, even though they never applied for Missouri unemployment benefits.
How to report unemployment identity theft
If you suspect that you’ve fallen prey to identity theft, contact the Special Investigations Unit by dialing 573-751-4058 ext. 5.
It may be necessary to visit your local Missouri Job Center in order to verify your identity.
In the wake of the extended benefit programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a surge in Missouri unemployment identity theft. If you believe you have been a victim of this specific type of fraud, report the incident to the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud.
For further assistance, download Form 4631 and email the completed form to [email protected]. The Special Investigations Unit will launch an investigation into your case and contact you once a conclusion has been reached.
Benefits denied?
If you have been denied benefits over a misunderstanding about unemployment fraud, you have the right to file an appeal and present evidence that supports your claim.