IDES Unemployment Fraud

How can I spot unemployment insurance identity theft?

  • You receive a debit card or an unemployment insurance letter (UI Finding) and have not filed a claim for benefits.
  • You are notified by your employer that a claim for benefits has been filed when you have not been separated from employment.
  • You attempt to file a claim online and one already exits. 
  • You receive IRS correspondence regarding unreported UI benefits.
  • You receive notice of a state or federal tax offset.

What steps should I take if I receive a debit card or a UI Finding letter, and did not file for unemployment benefits?


If you suspect a claim has been submitted using your information, and you have not applied for unemployment insurance benefits in Illinois, take steps as follows:

  • DO NOT activate the debit card that was mailed to you.
  • DO NOT contact KeyBank. 
  • Request your free credit reports and review them for other fraudulent activities.

Click here to report the fraudulent claim with IDES.

UNLESS YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF OTHER INCIDENTS OF IDENTITY THEFT, YOU DO NOT NEED TO FILE A POLICE REPORT.