AGC Members See Rise in Fraudulent Unemployment Claims

AGC chapters and members should be aware that fraudulent unemployment claims are on the rise. While this has been a problem throughout the pandemic and while the construction industry is not a unique target, many AGC members have reported experiencing such claims and some have reported a spike in recent weeks.

The problem has spread across the country. States – which are largely overwhelmed with both legitimate and illegitimate unemployment claims due to the pandemic – are each responding in their own ways, but the federal government has also taken some action. On March 22, the U.S. Department of Labor launched a new website with information about unemployment insurance identity theft and how victims can report stolen benefits. (A Spanish translation of the website is also available.) Last July, the FBI also issued an alert. In addition to guidance directly provided by state and federal governments, the law firm Baker Donelson has published an article with a concise list of tips for employers.