SUMMIT COUNTY, OH—Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro is warning residents to be aware of fraud activity related to pandemic unemployment claims. In recent weeks, county and state officials have received a significant number of complaints from individuals who reported receiving a U.S. Bank Relia Card in the mail. This debit card provides access to unemployment benefits, but the individuals did not apply for benefits.
“Time and time again, we see scammers taking advantage of a crisis to commit fraud and identity theft. The pandemic has been hard enough and now we all have to worry about this new scam,” said Executive Shapiro. “If you receive this debit card or any correspondence related to benefits you have not filed a claim for, report it immediately.”
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has created a new online portal that provides a direct way for Ohioans to notify the agency if they believe their identity was stolen and used to file a fraudulent unemployment claim. Individuals who believe their identity was stolen and used to file a fraudulent unemployment claim should visit www.unemployment.ohio.gov, click on the “Report Identity Theft” button, and complete the reporting form.
ODJFS 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.
Individuals without internet access can reach ODJFS by phone at 800-686-1555. They can also contact U.S. Bank’s Fraud Center at 877-595-6256. Additionally, individuals should consider contacting credit bureaus to place a freeze on their credit.
