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Beware of unemployment insurance scams

September 26, 2025

Scammers are using stolen personal data to file fake unemployment claims. In recent weeks, HHC has seen an increase in fake claims filed in the names of our colleagues. We have no evidence of a breach at HHC or with vendors or the state Department of Labor that could cause this.

These situations emerge from some form of identity theft. Fraudsters obtain personal information in many ways — via the dark web, phishing (e.g. fake login pages), lost IDs or breaches at banks, employers and other institutions. They use this data to submit fraudulent unemployment claims, make online purchases and more.

It’s important to take action if you think you’re a victim of identity theft.

Red flags someone filed a fraudulent unemployment insurance claim in your name include:

• You file a lawful unemployment insurance claim and it’s rejected because a claim has already been filed under your name.
• You did not apply for unemployment benefits but receive notice that an application has been received under your name.
• You receive notification that you failed the security verification process for your unemployment claim.
• A current or former employer tells you an unemployment claim has been submitted in your name.

If this happens to you:

• Notify your human resources team that you think you are the victim of unemployment fraud.
• Respond immediately to any notice about an unemployment claim you did not submit, stating you did not file the claim.
• Report the incident to https://identitytheft.gov/ which is managed by the Federal Trade Commission.
• Contact your local police department and, if possible, file a report.
• Complete the online form at https://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/BPCU/fraud.htm to report the incident to the state in which the imposter claim was filed.
• Contact the credit bureaus to report your Social Security number is being used by someone.
  • Equifax – 1.800.525.6285
  • TransUnion – 1.800.680.7289
  • Experian – 1.888.397.3742