The Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) processes claims for the state of Washington and has indicated there has been a dramatic rise in fraudulent filing of unemployment claims affecting employees from the public and private sector. The ESD statement is available online.
If WSU employees receive communication from the Employment Security Department regarding an unemployment claim they did not file, employees should immediately report the fraud to ESD by going to the Fraud page on the ESD website and using the Fraud Reporting Form. The secure form will ask for information including your full name, date of birth, last four of your SSN, contact information and other relevant information necessary for ESD to initiate action. Communication regarding the claim will occur between ESD and the employee.
In addition to reporting the fraud to ESD, recommendations to protect your identity include:
- Visiting the FTC identity theft website. This resource has the most current, detailed step by step process for reporting and protecting people from further victimization.
- Requesting your free credit reports via www.annualcreditreport.com and reviewing them for fraudulent activities.
- Finding additional tips from the Washington State Attorney General.
