Georgia Department of Labor

IDENTITY THEFTPresenter: Racquel Robinson

the “Everyone Own

• The Georgia Department of Labor has adopted the “Everyone Owns Integrity” concept.

• We aim to maintain the integrity of the Unemployment Insurance program through prevention and early detection of improper payment of UI benefits.

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In 2010, Georgia ranked no. 4 on the Consumer Sentinel Network State Complaint Rates list:

9, 404 complaints of identity theft filed 31% of the complaints were because of fraudulent

use of government documents or benefits 7% Employment-related fraud Five of GA’s largest metropolitan areas are in the top 50

rankings for identity theft-related consumer complaints

Statistical Data for 2010

• UI claim filed by someone other than the owner of the SSN

• Individuals working under a stolen SSN• State/National Directory of New Hires• Wages reported incorrectly • Tips and leads• Out of State wages

Some Identity Theft Detection Points

• Affidavit to Verify Lawful Presence in the U. S.

• Reporting Fraud and Abuse website application

Fraud and Identity Theft Prevention

AFFIDAVIT PROCESS

• Georgia law, one-time requirement

•Deterrent for committing fraud

• Valid government-issued picture identification

•UI benefits are not paid until the requirement is satisfied

• Failure to meet affidavit requirements result in a disqualification of benefits

Reporting Fraud and Abuse

• Online form is available on the Georgia Department of Labor website to report fraud and identity theft.

http://www.dol.state.ga.us/spotlight/sp_reporting_uifraud_and_abuse.htm

• Forms are forwarded to the UI Integrity Unit for investigation

Reporting Fraud and Abuse

• Individuals complete the Reporting Suspected Unemployment Insurance Fraud and Identity Theft form when someone is using their SSN or they are aware of someone using another individual’s SSN to file a fraudulent UI claim and/or receiving UI benefits.

• Forms are sent to the UI Integrity Unit

Created in 2008 to spearhead statewide leadership in detecting and investigating identity theft and enforce fraud prevention related to the UI program.

UI INTEGRITY UNIT

•Claimant attempts to file a UI claim and a claim already exists using his/her SSN and the wages do not belong to the individual attempting to file

•Non-claimants report use of his/her SSN to earn wages in the state of Georgia

•Direct deposits erroneously made to an unknown bank account

Reports of forgery of Georgia Department of Labor checks

Types of Investigations

Integrity Investigation

•Investigator requests that the complainant submit a written and signed statement detailing the complaint

•Statement must include the full name, date of birth, social security number, mailing address and telephone number.

•Must provide a copy of the SSN and government issued picture ID

Individuals are advised to file a police report and notify the Federal Trade Commissioner when reporting identity theft:Online: http:/ftc.gov/idtheftTelephone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338)Mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580

Integrity Investigation

•Verify the wages reported under the SSN in question are correct

•Request a certified copy of SSN

•Request verification of assignment from the Social Security Administration

• If SSN belongs to the complainant, benefits are suspended until investigation is complete

• If SSN belongs to the claimant, claimant must report in person to the Career Center to provide a copy of the social security card and a government issued picture ID and a statement regarding date and location SSN was obtained

Individual Attempts to File for UI Claim already exists

• Verify the wages reported under the SSN in question are correct

• Request a certified copy of Social Security card

• Request verification of assignment from the Social Security Administration

• If SSN belongs to the complainant, Wage Investigation Group updates the wage record accordingly

• If SSN does not belong to the complainant, notification of results are sent. Investigation is closed.

Non-Claimant reports use of SSN to work and earn GA wages

• Establishment of overpayment if SSN of perpetrator can be located.

• Fraud penalties for misrepresentation

• Disqualification for the remaining quarter plus four additional quarters.

Consequences of Investigation

• Transaction to maintain a database of social security numbers reported for identity theft and fraud from all sources– When claims are filed and run in nightly

processing, the claims check the database and flag claims filed

• Implement real time SSA Verifications

Future Developments

For more information or questions:• Please contact Chief of UI Integrity Unit,

Lloyd Romans at 404.232.3197

UI INTEGRITY UNIT