Maryland has been dealing with increased fraudulent unemployment claims since July 2020 but in the first six weeks of 2021 the fake claims have skyrocketed. Over 87% of claims investigated in Maryland were confirmed as fraudulent. Fraudsters are using identities and personal information stolen from prior data breaches such as Equifax, Target and the Federal Office of Personnel Management to file fraudulent unemployment insurance claims. Maryland continues to add new technology and safeguards to prevent and detect fraud, while working with banking institutions and federal partners to fight fraud.
The Department of Labor emailed employers about potentially fraudulent charges appearing on their fourth quarter benefit charge statements because of the claims that were fraudulently filed in the names of people who are actively working. Note: Employers will not be charged for any fraudulent benefits associated with their account. Employers should review their benefit charge statements closely to insure that all benefits charged to their accounts are accurate.
If an employer believes a fraudulent claim has been charged to their account, they should file a benefit charge protest through the BEACON employer portal located at https://employer.beacon.labor.md.gov. For additional assistance, contact the Employer Call Center at 410-949-0033.
For further clarification please call one of our experienced professionals at Bormel, Grice and Huyett. 410-792-7259.
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