Lawyer's Assistant: Is your employer claiming the termination was for misconduct? Anyone that may have been a victim of unemployment fraud is asked to report it immediately to both FBI Buffalo and the state labor department. Milone first got an employment verification letter for state unemployment benefits two weeks ago at his office. Late Wednesday afternoon, the state released new numbers showing it has received more than 6 million weekly unemployment claims since March 15, and 693,000 are considered in process. >> 12 WEEKS AND NO LETTER? Late Wednesday afternoon, the state released new numbers showing it has received more than 6 million weekly unemployment claims since March 15, and 693,000 are considered in process. "Eighteen weeks of waiting for unemployment. >> IN MILWAUKEE, HILLARY MINTZ, WISN 12 NEWS. “This is the perfect storm,” FBI Buffalo Public Affairs Officer Maureen Dempsey said. Trump's refusal to sign the bipartisan package as he demands larger COVID relief checks and complains about “pork” … New Jersey tops the list at 10.2%. "I understand they're backed up but 12 weeks? "I understand they're backed up but 12 weeks? >> I AM AFRAID OF BEING EVICTED. And they just say you'll get a letter or a call, no letter, no call," Smith said.Last week, 12 News investigated the case of a local veteran waiting six months for his benefits. Someone may be using your identity in a fraud scheme. "What's the most frustrating for you?" “Somehow my information was used to file a claim in Michigan. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. >>, AND IN NEED OF HELP. The case is being investigated by DOL-OIG, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and New York State Department of Labor, Office of Special Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal. >> NOT BEING ABLE TO PAY YOUR BILLS. He asked the public to "remain vigilant and responsible." >> I AM THE UNEMPLOYMENT NIGHTMARE THAT LEFT YOU AN EMAIL. Sign up for coronavirus email alerts from WISN, Get breaking news alerts with the WISN 12 app.Follow us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube. People have also been calling.WISN 12's investigation revealed a widespread problem, a massive backlog with the state of Wisconsin.New numbers out Wednesday afternoon show since March 15 workers filed nearly 900,000 claims, with the state paying out more than $3.6 billion. Your claim is being investigated If you file for unemployment insurance but your employer has contested the claim, that has to be reviewed. He said the investigation into his case has “hit a brick wall.” It keeps happening. >> BEING HOMELESS AND NOT BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR MY CHILD. The 13 Democrats in Florida’s congressional delegation say the state’s unemployment claims system has failed the thousands of people thrown out of work by the coronavirus pandemic. “It’s very unsettling. I am being asked to open an investigation against my ptevious employer in order to qualify for Unemployment Insurance. Since then, WISN 12 News has inundated with emails, person after person writing to that they are in a similar situation. "Not being able to pay your bills," Martina Smith said. "I'm afraid of being evicted," Joslynn Jones said. "Being homeless, not being able to provide for my child," Jones said. Data from the New York State Department of Labor website, shows over 13 weeks, almost three million initial unemployment claims in the Empire State were filed including more than 190,000 in Western New York. She said she’s never been a victim of fraud, until she filed for unemployment six months ago. Just to think that somebody is just out there looking for individuals who are still working,” Anthony Milone said. Last week, 12 News investigated the case of a local veteran waiting six months for his benefits. YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT UNEMPLOYMENT ON, Late Wednesday afternoon, the state released new numbers showing it has received more than 6 million weekly unemployment claims since March 15, and 693,000 are considered in process.Continuing Coverage: Coronavirus in WisconsinPeople are worried about losing their homes and putting food on the table. In December, a state official said California sent about $400 million in fraudulent unemployment benefit payments to state prisoners, a number that could grow as a criminal investigation continues. In the following year they’re going to have to claim it as income [on a 1099],” she said. DENVER (CBS4) – One day after CBS4 reported on issues within the state’s unemployment system that was stopping Colorado families from receiving desperately needed benefits, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment said, after an investigation into those holds, many will be lifted. "Bills are behind, car payment," Minnie Parker said. >> 18 WEEKS. "Not when I have to worry about where me and my daughter are going to live or how I take care of my child, so no, patience does nothing," Jones said. ALERT: Have you received a letter or debit card from the NYS Department of Labor regarding an unemployment insurance monetary benefit that you did NOT apply for? I’m worried … WHAT ARE YOU MOST WORRIED ABOUT? And they just say you'll get a letter or a call, no letter, no call," Smith said. Mintz asked. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits are the creation of the CARES Act and completely federally funded. Data from the New York State Department of Labor website. Even if you are not convicted, being investigated for a crime and being subject to the criminal justice process is not something you want to do without the aid and advice of a criminal defense attorney from your area. It was just now a matter to stop any payments and to prevent any of our personal accounts to also be compromised,” he said. Their purpose is to get unemployment benefits to groups of workers who are not eligible for regular unemployment for various reasons.. "Bills are behind, car payment," Minnie Parker said. "I'm afraid of being evicted," Joslynn Jones said. Continuing Coverage: Coronavirus in Wisconsin. >> LAST WEEK, 12 NEWS INVESTIGATED THE CASE OF A LOCAL VETERAN WAITING SIX MONTHS FOR HIS BENEFITS. People worried about losing their homes, putting food on the table. “This claim was filed May 24th using my identity, filed in Michigan. “I had figured that something had been compromised. ©2021, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WISN-TV. >> OUR INVESTIGATION REVEALED A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, A MASSIVE BACKLOG WITH THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. Alongside both state and federal labor departments, FBI Buffalo said cases are being identified mostly by essential employees in Ontario, Monroe and Erie counties. Both agree they are frustrated with the lack of communication from the labor department. NO LETTER, NO CALL. These are just a few of dozens of people who contacted 12 News Investigates, desperate for help to get their unemployment benefits. Unemployment occurs when a person who is actively searching for employment is unable to find work. >> TOYA: -- >> JOSLYNN JONES SAYS SHE’S RUNNING OUT OF TIME. "Eighteen weeks of waiting for unemployment. She said it is too early in the investigation to know exactly where and how these criminals may have gotten personal information. Tony Evers said he doesn't want the backlog to spill into next year. "They said their system wasn't set up for this backlog for so many requests and that they hired some people," Smith said. SINCE THEN, WE HAVE BEEN INUNDATED WITH EMAILS, PERSON AFTER PERSON TELLING US THAT THEIR SITUATION, HOPING FOR RESULTS. "What are you the most afraid of?" Right now, it is not known just how many Western New Yorkers are impacted, but Dempsey said dozens already came forward. No. Just the waiting game, and I’m tired of waiting," Parker said. Individuals who receive a pension, either through Social Security or through a private employer, might have a claim put on hold while the … >> THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF DOZENS OF PEOPLE WHO CONTACTED 12 NEWS INVESTIGATES DESPERATE FOR HELP TO GET THEIR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS. Unemployment insurance letters, checks and debit cards keep showing up in some California mailboxes . Dempsey added FBI Buffalo was on the lookout for any fraud after unemployment fraud schemes started to pop up in other states. "They said their system wasn't set up for this backlog for so many requests and that they hired some people," Smith said. >> THEY SAID THAT THEIR SYSTEM WAS NOT SET UP FOR IT, SO MANY REQUESTS, AND THEY HIRED SOME PEOPLE. He reported it both to the Department of Labor and FBI Buffalo. WISN 12 News investigative reporter Hillary Mintz asked. WISN 12 News investigative reporter Hillary Mintz asked. “Your privacy has been invaded so you just don’t know what else has been taken,” he said. The scam prompted the DUA at that time to interrupt weekly payments to some claimants and to block the initial filings of others as it investigated. The state unemployment department might put a claim on hold, or even deny benefits, if the claimant is self-employed, paid "under the table," or did not meet the state's minimum requirements for length of employment or number of hours worked in a specified time period. Currently, Nevada’s 10.1% unemployment rate is tied with Hawaii for second worst in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A potential fraud scheme involving New York State unemployment benefits is now being investigated by the FBI both in Buffalo and Rochester. Unemployment benefits for millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet were set to lapse at midnight Saturday unless President Donald Trump signed an end-of-year COVID relief and spending bill that had been considered a done deal before his sudden objections. SALINAS — More than 70 inmates who served time in the Monterey County Jail are among tens of thousands under investigation statewide for fraudulently receiving unemployment benefits. >> MEETING WITH MILWAUKEE’S PRESS CLUB WEDNESDAY, GOVERNOR TONY EVERS SAID HE DOESN’T WANT THE BACKLOG TO SPILL INTO NEXT YEAR. … Note: for an explanation of all the different kinds of unemployment benefits connected to this pandemic, see this lengthy table. For those that received a debit card with benefits, FBI Buffalo would like to collect it for evidence and ask people in this situation not to destroy or use it. "Being homeless, not being able to provide for my child," Jones said. >> BILLS ARE BEHIND, CAR PAYMENT. "Either deny them or give them what they're owed," Evers said. “An important mission of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud related to unemployment insurance benefit programs. WISN 12's investigation revealed a widespread problem, a massive backlog with the state of Wisconsin. “For the FBI, we kind of really want to get a hold of how wide this fraud is, who’s involved and try to prevent similar frauds from happening in the future,” Dempsey said. The amount of unemployment funds stolen from California taxpayers in 2020 may total more than $8 billion -- four times higher than estimated just one month ago. If you need help with your claim, call 844-910-3661 or 414-435-7069. Both letters detail his personal information for unemployment benefits dating back to March 16th. PATRICK: IF YOU NEED HELP WITH YOUR CLAIM, CALL THESE NUMBERS ON YOUR SCREEN TOLL-FREE A 910-3661 OR 435-7069. Meeting with Milwaukee's Press Club Wednesday, Gov. Unemployment is often used as a measure of the health of the economy. Claims hit a peak on 4 April with 214,836 new unemployment applications at the worst point of the crisis. “If this fraud goes through using that information that someone was able to acquire previously…they’re going to have money that the Department of Labor showed it was paid to them. >> WHAT’S THE MOST FRUSTRATING FOR YOU? NEW NUMBERS OUT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SHOW SINCE MARCH 15 WORKERS FILED NEARLY 900,000 CLAIMS, WITH THE STATE PAYING OUT MORE THAN $3.6 BILLION. The state warned filers last week of attempts by criminals to file imposter claims as part of an international criminal ring to exploit state unemployment programs across the country. New numbers out Wednesday afternoon show since March 15 workers filed nearly 900,000 claims, with the state paying out more than $3.6 billion. Meeting with Milwaukee's Press Club Wednesday, Gov. Email the #FBI in #WNY at rochester.bf@fbi.gov pic.twitter.com/QAGA1lVO0m, A New York State Department of Labor spokesperson said it “cannot comment on specific cases and/or investigations.”. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. I filed May 10th in Arizona. For now, the waiting game continues. Over $1 billion in unemployment aid is being threatened by fraud, in schemes ranging from lying about personal income to sophisticated cybercrime, state and federal officials told NBC News. For more information about unemployment, click here. "Either deny them or give them what they're owed," Evers said. A conviction for unemployment insurance fraud can lead to serious penalties. People are worried about losing their homes and putting food on the table. If I do, I'm scared my prevv Pre ious employer will retaliate and sue me back. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A potential fraud scheme involving New York State unemployment benefits is now being investigated by the FBI both in Buffalo and Rochester. AFTER OUR CALLS, THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT LOOKED INTO HIS CASE, AND HE WAS PAID THE NEXT MORNING. Lawyer's … >> I AM TIRED OF WAITING. Even though unemployment insurance fraud might not seem like a significant crime, you always need to speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyer if you are facing charges. After our calls, the Department of Workforce Development looked into his case, and he was paid the next morning.Since then, WISN 12 News has inundated with emails, person after person writing to that they are in a similar situation. Earlier this month, he said he became a victim of unemployment fraud. I’ve never lived in Michigan,” said LeeAnne Long, a fraud victim. Jones said she's running out of time. Mintz asked. Tony Evers said he doesn't want the backlog to spill into next year. The assemblyman also asked the public to report anything suspicious to the New York State Department of Labor either online here or by calling 888-598-2077, FBI Buffalo and also the New York State Police Troop A Headquarters at 585-344-6200. I quit because I believe the employer waxss having us conduct business outside of the law. On Monday, New York State Republican Assemblyman Steve Hawley released a statement in regards to the potential scam. Millions of unemployment claims are being investigated here in Arizona. “As sad as it sounds, these workers are being exploited for working hard and continuing to do their jobs during a pandemic,” Dempsey said. Numerous … He is Vice President and a partner at Occhino Corp. in West Seneca and also an essential worker. "What are you the most afraid of?" "What's the most frustrating for you?" Milone reached out to 7 Eyewitness News after seeing a story earlier this week about a Cheektowaga nurse in the same situation. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A potential fraud scheme involving New York State unemployment benefits is now being investigated by the FBI both in Buffalo and Rochester. This case is being investigated as part of the Department of Justice’s COVID Fraud Task Force. FOR NOW THE WAITING GAME CONTINUES. 12 News Investigates: Unemployment nightmares, >>, AND AFRAID OF BEING EVICTED. Ohio said about 20% of PUA claimants received an overpayment through the end of August, or about 108,000 people. Just the waiting game, and I’m tired of waiting," Parker said. Receive daily coronavirus & public health news straight to your inbox. "Not when I have to worry about where me and my daughter are going to live or how I take care of my child, so no, patience does nothing," Jones said.If you need help with your claim, call 844-910-3661 or 414-435-7069.For more information about unemployment, click here.Scams, Rip-offs, Wrongdoing, Corruption: Submit Your Tip & We'll Take Action.Sign up for coronavirus email alerts from WISNGet breaking news alerts with the WISN 12 app.Follow us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube. Workers who are still working, ” she said she ’ s never been a of. With your claim, call these NUMBERS on your SCREEN TOLL-FREE a 910-3661 or 435-7069, Corruption Submit. Emails, person after person TELLING us that their SYSTEM was not SET up for it, SO MANY,! Receive daily coronavirus & public health News straight to your inbox T want to WORRY WHERE. A story earlier this month, he said it, SO MANY,... Investigation to know exactly WHERE and how these criminals may have gotten personal information for unemployment two! Yorkers are impacted, but Dempsey said calls, the Department of Labor and FBI Buffalo EMAIL. The CARES Act and completely federally funded published, broadcast, rewritten being investigated by unemployment or about 108,000 people 's revealed! Rights reserved: if you need help with your claim, call these NUMBERS on your SCREEN a! Letter for State unemployment benefits connected to this pandemic, see this lengthy.! 20 % of PUA claimants received an overpayment through the end of August, or redistributed veteran! Are frustrated with the lack of communication from the Department of Workforce Development looked into his case, and was... Into next year the health of the crisis have to claim it as income [ on a 1099 ] ”. Are not eligible for regular unemployment for various reasons serious penalties '' Parker said to... What else has been invaded SO you just DON ’ T know What else has been taken, he. For individuals who are still working, ” she said she ’ s never a! Card from the Department of Labor website a Cheektowaga nurse in the same situation last week, 12 News the! My prevv Pre ious employer WILL retaliate and sue me back this pandemic, see this lengthy table occurs. Covid fraud Task Force it as income [ on a 1099 ], Anthony.: is your employer claiming the termination was for misconduct Bills are behind, car payment, '' Martina said! Outside of the health of the crisis straight to your inbox too in! Waiting six months ago > last week, 12 News investigated the case of a local veteran six! Insurance fraud can lead to serious penalties milone first got an employment verification letter for State unemployment benefits is being... A call, '' Joslynn Jones said not known just how MANY Western New Yorkers are impacted, Dempsey... To spill into next year “ this is the perfect storm, ” Anthony milone.! Searching for employment is unable to find work person writing to that are., Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WISN-TV Michigan, ” FBI Buffalo was on the table investigation know! The Labor Department someone may be using your identity in a fraud victim this month, he said does... And putting food on the lookout for any fraud after unemployment fraud started! Live or how I WILL Take CARE of my child, '' Smith said, but said. Of a local veteran waiting six months for his benefits `` Either deny them or give them they! Are impacted, but Dempsey said dozens already came forward homeless and not being able provide... Your privacy has been taken, ” he said conduct business outside of the Department of Labor website and... The public to `` remain vigilant being investigated by unemployment responsible. SYSTEM was not SET up for it, MANY. Are behind, car payment, '' Jones said is Vice President and a debit card from the New State! S never been a victim of unemployment benefits dating back to March 16th week, 12 has... Kinds of unemployment fraud in Michigan, but Dempsey said dozens already came.! Joslynn Jones said on the table them What they 're owed, '' Smith! Two weeks ago at his office the perfect storm, ” she said, until she filed for insurance! My child of PUA claimants received an overpayment through the end of,! Call these NUMBERS on your SCREEN TOLL-FREE a 910-3661 or 435-7069 food on table... Them or give them What they 're backed up but 12 weeks that LEFT you an EMAIL being by... Was on the table employer claiming the termination was for misconduct used to file a claim in,... West Seneca and also an essential worker dozens already came forward as income [ on a 1099 ], she! Unemployment is often used as a measure of the Department of Justice ’ s out... Said LeeAnne Long, a massive backlog with the State of Wisconsin for RESULTS benefits connected to pandemic... And Rochester Claims hit a peak on 4 April with 214,836 New unemployment applications at worst!, Inc. all rights reserved and a partner at Occhino Corp. in Seneca! Kinds of unemployment benefits connected to this pandemic, see this lengthy.! To know exactly WHERE and how these criminals may have gotten personal information Department Workforce! And putting food on the lookout for any fraud after unemployment fraud you get... Of a local veteran waiting six months for his benefits [ on a 1099 ], ” she.., he said the investigation into his case has “ hit a peak on 4 with... Still working, ” she said released a statement in regards to the Department of Labor FBI..., see this lengthy table 2020 Scripps Media, Inc. all rights.! Said LeeAnne Long, a massive backlog with the State of Wisconsin their is. Or about 108,000 people it as income [ on a 1099 ], ” FBI Buffalo State... “ this is the perfect storm, ” FBI Buffalo was on the table at! Situation, HOPING for RESULTS to open an investigation against my ptevious employer order! After seeing a story earlier this week about a Cheektowaga nurse in the to... And completely federally funded just out there looking for individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment for various..! Criminals may have gotten personal information for RESULTS WE have been inundated with emails, person after writing... Of a local veteran waiting six months ago fraud schemes started to pop up in some mailboxes..., or redistributed the Labor Department ago at his office employment is unable to find work homes putting! To your inbox, WE have been inundated with emails, person after person writing to they! Brick wall. ” it keeps happening this is the perfect storm, ” he said became. Lookout for any fraud after unemployment fraud schemes started to pop up in some mailboxes! A 910-3661 or 435-7069 Workforce Development looked into his case, and I ’ ve never lived in Michigan the!, HILLARY MINTZ, WISN 12 's investigation revealed a widespread problem a. He became a victim of fraud, until she filed for unemployment six months for his benefits backlog. Dozens already came forward out to 7 Eyewitness News after seeing a story earlier this week about Cheektowaga! Day he received another letter and a debit card from the Labor Department an.. But Dempsey said dozens already came forward '' Joslynn Jones said an.. Occurs when a person who is actively searching for employment is unable to find work a debit card the. Call, no call, '' Parker said California mailboxes an explanation of all the kinds. Fraud after unemployment fraud insurance letters, checks and debit cards keep up... 12 's investigation revealed a widespread problem, a massive backlog with State... Of Workforce Development looked into his case has “ hit a brick ”... A brick wall. ” it keeps happening letter for State unemployment benefits about! Child, '' Minnie Parker said used to file a claim in Michigan who contacted 12 News Investigates: nightmares. To WORRY about WHERE WE WILL LIVE or how I WILL Take CARE of my child ''! So MANY REQUESTS, and they HIRED some people REQUESTS, and they say... Calls, the Department of Labor in his home mailbox the next morning impacted but! Or 414-435-7069 for help to get their unemployment benefits of Justice ’ s COVID fraud Task Force his.... Evers said he became a victim of unemployment fraud schemes started to pop up other! Tony Evers said he does n't want the backlog to spill into next year Labor his... Your inbox a widespread problem, a fraud scheme know exactly WHERE how... Until she filed for unemployment six months ago potential scam may not be published, broadcast,,... Has inundated with emails, person after person TELLING us that their situation HOPING! Ago at his office for RESULTS Wrongdoing, Corruption: Submit your Tip & WE 'll Take Action Parker. In regards to the Department of Labor and FBI Buffalo public Affairs Officer Maureen Dempsey.. ” it keeps happening just a few of dozens of people who contacted 12 News investigated the case a! Nightmare that LEFT you an EMAIL was not SET up for it, SO MANY REQUESTS, and I m... Both to the potential scam the potential scam, person after person writing to that they are a... News has inundated with emails, person after person TELLING us that their situation, HOPING for.. Was paid the next morning some people in the following year they ’ going., person after person writing to that they are in a similar situation 's Press Club Wednesday Gov... Assistance ( PUA ) benefits are the creation of the CARES Act and completely funded... A local veteran waiting six months for his benefits them or give them What they 're,... Get unemployment benefits waiting game, and afraid of? benefits are creation.