Arizona DES sees spike in fraudulent claims

February 22, 2021 6:50 PM

Published February 22, 2021 4:30 PM

Local businesses also report suspicious activity - News 11's Crystal Jimenez has a closer look at the story

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Several Yuma business owners tell News 11 they've received a fraudulent unemployment insurance program notice from the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). The notice included their correct social security number, but incorrect personal information.

DES reported seeing a sharp increase in the number of initial unemployment insurance claims filed. The DES website shows a drastic increase starting January 23rd. More recently, the site actually shows a decline in claims.

The agency credits the implementation of identity verification for the dip.

Those who are victims of fraud are urged to file a claim on the DES website.

Article Topic Follows: State & Regional News

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Crystal Jimenez

Crystal Jimenez began at KYMA as a Digital Content Producer in June 2019, and is now a multimedia journalist.

Reach out to Crystal at crystal.jimenez@kecytv.com.

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