00:00 The pandemic has resulted in millions of Americans out of work. 00:03 Fortunately, unemployment insurance is a short-term lifeline to the jobless. 00:08 But, imagine applying for unemployment, only to be told you don't qualify, 00:12 because you have already applied, when, in reality, you never did? 00:17 Or were you surprised when you received a tax form outlining your unemployment insurance you never applied for or collected in 2020? 00:24 Or, did you collect unemployment, but not for the amount specified? 00:28 If any of these apply to you, you might be a victim of unemployment insurance fraud. 00:32 Unemployment insurance fraud occurs in many ways, including: 00:36 Fraudulent applications in your name; or 00:39 Claims where what they say you received is more than what you actually did get. 00:43 It happens when an identity thief applies for unemployment, utilizing all or part of a victim's personal identifying information. 00:50 Often, an individual may not even know they are a victim of this scam! 00:54 However, there are some telltale signs you should lookout for: 00:57 You receive unemployment mail at your address with names of people who don’t live there. 01:02 You receive multiple unemployment letters, but you never applied for benefits. 01:06 You receive an IRS tax form claiming you owe money on benefits you never collected. 01:11 To report unemployment insurance fraud or to learn more about this scam, visit USPIS.gov.