The State of Ohio has paid more than $330 million dollars in fraudulent unemployment claims since the start of the pandemic.
It has been a windfall for hackers and theives, but a real headache for people whose identities have been stolen, especially because the IRS is now asking them to pay income tax on money they never actually got.
To find out what to do if you have been a victim of either this particular fraud, or identity theft in general; listen as Jeanne Destro interviews Akron Community Legal Aid Attorney, Michelle Wrona-Fox, and a former Akron resident who recently found out that her identity was stolen.
In addition, here are some helpful links:
- If you suspect you are a possible victim, there are two ways to report fraud. The best way is to use the online portal at https://unemploymenthelp.ohio.
gov. If you don’t have access to the internet, call (833) 658-0394. - If you aren’t sure if you are a victim, you can call that same number to find out -- (833) 658-0394.
- You can also find more information at www.communitylegalaid.org/
unemployment/fraud - Also, go to the USA.gov website, for information about how to put a freeze on your credit.