Unemployment Fraud

Scammers follow the news. They have noticed that as a result of the pandemic many Americans have lost their job and had to file for unemployment insurance. Because of this trend scammers have been using the personal information of millions of Americans to fraudulently file for unemployment benefits in their name. Thousands of retired Coloradans have been notified that benefits have been filed for in their name, despite not having worked in many years. If you received this notification, don’t panic! Follow a few important steps:

• Notify the Colorado Department of Labor at https://cdle.colorado.gov/fraud-prevention or call 800-480-8299.
  
• Review your annual credit report. Call 877-322-8228 or visit www.annualcreditreport.com.
  
• Place a fraud alert on your credit report. A fraud alert is free and lasts for one year. Contact one bureau only. www.Equifax.com (800-685-1111) www.Experian.com (888-397-3742) www.TransUnion.com (888-909-8872)
  
• Consider placing a credit freeze. You will have to request to remove the freeze if you apply for credit. You must contact all three bureaus. A freeze is free. www.Equifax.com (800-685-1111) www.Experian.com (888-397-3742) www.TransUnion.com (888-909-8872).

Additional identity theft protection information can be found at www.identitytheft.gov and www.stopfraudcolorado.gov

800-222-4444

Denver Metro Area at 303-222-4444

www.aarpelderwatch.org