Identity Theft & Fraudulent Unemployment Claims 

You may be a victim of identity theft or a fraudulent unemployment claim if you experience any of the following:

• Receiving mail, calls, or notices from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) about an unemployment claim you did not file—this includes requests to verify identity, debit cards, or checks you didn’t expect.

• Getting a Form 1099-G reporting unemployment benefits you never received—or from a state where you have never worked.

• TSTC receives a TWC notice about a claim filed under your name, which you did not initiate.

• Don’t verify identity if you didn’t file the claim. If you’re asked to verify via ID.me or similar services on a claim you didn’t submit, DO NOT comply—instead, go straight to reporting the fraud.

• Report the fraud to TWC using their secure online fraud portal. Under "Type of submission," choose:

  • • Did Not File the UI Claim – if you just need to report the fraudulent use of your SSN.

    • Received a 1099-G but did not file the UI claim – if that’s the scenario.

• Review notices or documents you received from TWC and upload them along with a valid ID (like a driver’s license) as instructed on the portal.

• Avoid responding multiple times—you only need to submit the fraud report once. TWC will contact you only if they need more information.

• If you received checks or debit cards you didn’t request, destroy them (debit cards), or return them with an explanation that you didn’t file the claim.

Whether you’re an employee or the individual targeted, consider the following additional safeguards:

• If you receive a call, do not share personal information right away. Verify who you are speaking to or politely hang up and call back using the official number listed on our website or the agency’s site.

• Contact local law enforcement to file a formal report and get an incident number.

• Alert major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to place a fraud alert on your credit file, or even freeze your credit if needed.

• Contact your bank or credit union if accounts were wrongly accessed or opened. Freeze or close the account if necessary.

• Report the identity theft to the FTC via IdentityTheft.gov, which guides you through recovery steps.

• Reach out to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for issues tied to your SSN. The SSA fraud helpline is at 1-800-269-0271, or you can visit their site.

• Use IRS guidance on incorrect Form 1099-G or tax-related identity theft. The IRS also recommends enrolling in the Identity Protection PIN (IP-PIN) program for added security.

• Optionally, notify the National Center for Disaster Fraud, part of the U.S. Department of Justice. They coordinate with the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.

• TWC’s Identity Fraud guidance and portal instructions

• SSA reporting guidelines and contact info

• IRS advice for stolen identity and 1099-G issues

• FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov resource

• Credit bureau notification steps

• DOJ and Department of Labor coordination via National Center for Disaster Fraud

1. How do I know if a fraudulent unemployment claim has been filed in my name?
You may receive letters, debit cards, checks, or a Form 1099-G from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) for unemployment benefits you never applied for. Your employer may also get a notice about a claim you didn’t file.

2. What should I do if I get a TWC letter but didn’t apply for benefits?
Do not ignore it. Report the fraud immediately using the TWC Fraud Submission Portal. Select the option that best fits your situation.

3. Should I verify my identity with ID.me if I didn’t apply?
No. If you didn’t file a claim, do not provide verification. Instead, report it as fraud through TWC.

4. What happens after I report fraud to TWC?
TWC will investigate and close the fraudulent claim. You may not hear back unless they need more information. Keep copies of all notices and confirmation numbers for your records.

5. Do I need to return debit cards or checks that came in the mail?
Yes. Destroy debit cards you didn’t request, and return any checks to TWC with a note that the claim is fraudulent.

6. Will this affect my job or paycheck at the college?
No. Fraudulent unemployment claims are separate from your employment status. Your job and paycheck will not be affected, but notify HR so they can assist.

7. Can someone steal my tax refund with unemployment fraud?
Yes, if your Social Security number was used, it could affect your tax records. If you receive an incorrect 1099-G, follow IRS instructions on Identity Theft and Unemployment Benefits.

8. Do I need to contact the police?
It’s recommended. Filing a police report creates a paper trail and may help if you face financial or credit issues later.

9. How do I protect my credit?
Place a fraud alert or freeze on your credit through the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This prevents further misuse of your identity.

10. Where can I get more help?

• Texas Workforce Commission: Fraud Resources

• Federal Trade Commission: IdentityTheft.gov

• IRS: Unemployment Fraud Guidance

• Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline: 1-800-269-0271