Following increased reports of individuals who have had their personal information stolen and used to file applications for unemployment benefits without their knowledge, the Department of Human Resources is providing additional information to UToledo employees who may have been affected.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is aware of the problem. Their office and the Ohio Department of Administrative Services have not experienced a breach off their systems and the information of public employees was obtained was from other sources.
Unfortunately, identity theft is a widespread national challenge. Many Ohioans have become victims, and their identities used to file fraudulent unemployment claims in both the traditional unemployment and pandemic unemployment assistance programs.
If you suspect that your personal information has been stolen and/or if you received a 1099-G tax form from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and did not apply for unemployment benefits in 2020, the agency needs to hear from you immediately.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services offers the following resources to help both individuals and employers who have been affected:
Step One: Report Identity Theft to ODJFS
Complete the secure online form on the ODJFS website. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will issue confirmation emails to everyone who files a report with information about identity theft and protection. The agency will process the reports, conduct investigations and, if necessary, issue corrections to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on 1099s issued to victims.
Step Two: How To File Your Taxes (if you received a 1099-G)
Please follow the IRS guidance to taxpayers on identity theft involving unemployment benefits. You can find it on the IRS website.
Step Three: Protect Your Identity
Many resources are available for victims of identity theft to help them protect their identities. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services strongly urges anyone who suspects they may be a victim of identity theft to take appropriate action to protect themselves. Here are some resources:
• OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/IdentityTheft
• Review your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com
• Ohio State Highway Patrol: When Identity Crime Strikes You
• Federal Trade Commission Resources at identitytheft.gov
• Place a free one-year fraud alert on your credit reports by contacting any one of the three nationwide credit reporting companies online or through their toll-free numbers. The bureau you contact must tell the other two.
• Equifax: 800-525-6285
• Experian: 888-397-3742
• TransUnion: 800-916-8800
