Unemployment fraud is rampant in Oklahoma, and you could be a victim without even knowing it. How? Fraudsters use your stolen information to file for unemployment in hopes of getting the check. Here’s how you can stay vigilant:
What to do if you suspect you are a victim of unemployment fraud:
The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) has asked victims to report any suspicious OESC claims by completing their online fraud form, filing a fraud report and contacting the major credit bureaus as well as their financial institution. For a complete list of instructions, visit OESC’s site at https://oesc.ok.gov/fraud-prevention-individuals.
How to protect yourself:
Set up account alerts
Log in to Home Branch and click the gray icon at the top right corner of your browser. You will see “Alerts.” There, you can select which type of alert you’d like to receive, along with many other filters to help keep you in the know with your account activity. From the Home Branch app, click the upper right menu, select “Other Services” then “Alerts.”
Check your credit report
It is important to monitor your credit report and ensure your information is accurate and up to date. With the recent increase in fraudulent activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, AnnualCreditReport.com is offering free weekly access to Equifax, Experian and TransUnion credit reports through April 2021.
Safely dispose of sensitive documents
Take advantage of TFCU Shred Days to dispose of unneeded paperwork containing personal information.
Change your passwords quarterly
Change your passwords every 90 days and avoid using easily guessed information. We recommend creating a password that is at least eight characters long and is a mix of capital and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Learn more about how to protect your passwords here.