Jul. 14, 2021
HARRISBURG – Citing an increase in the number of inquiries to her district office in Butler from residents who may have been scammed out of their unemployment compensation (UC) benefits, Rep. Marci Mustello (R-Butler) offers advice on how to report unemployment benefit fraud.
“This is a very frustrating situation. I have heard from people who are not receiving their benefits due to a fraudulent claim filed on their account and from many people who have received checks for claims they never filed,” said Mustello. “It is important to report any suspected fraud with the proper authorities. The scammers behind the fraud appear to be using Social Security numbers and other personally identifiable information to apply for and receive benefits. In many situations, the victims are unaware that their personal information has been compromised.”
Residents who think they are the target of an unemployment benefits scam should do the following:
• To report someone who has filed for UC benefits using your personal information such as your name, Social Security number and date of birth without your knowledge or consent, please visit the UC Benefits Website at
benefits.uc.pa.gov and click “Report Fraud” at the bottom of the page to complete and submit the identity theft form. Do not log in.
• To report identity fraud related to federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), visit
dlisecureweb.pa.gov/FRTS/IdentityTheft.aspx.
Residents have shared with Mustello that most recent scams include telling individuals they have won a contest or cash prize or are eligible for a monetary award for applying for benefits. Another scam offers a faster alternative or mobile app to apply for benefits.
Employers can report UC program fraud at
uc.pa.gov/pages/Report-Fraud-Here.aspx or by calling call the UC Fraud Hotline at 800-692-7469. It is important that employers respond to these notices promptly.
“Please do not hesitate to call my office at 724-283-5852 if you experience any suspicious activity and aren’t sure what to do,” said Mustello. “We will be happy to help.”
Learn more about reporting UC fraud at
uc.pa.gov.
Representative Marci Mustello
11th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
Rleiner@pahousegop.com
RepMustello.com /
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