Kansas Department of Labor launches website to combat false unemployment claims

A spike in the number of fraudulent unemployment claims, identity theft and other fraudulent activity has taken a rise nationwide.

Kansas has seen a notable increase in false unemployment claims and is aiming to combat it through the launch of a new website which allows individuals and businesses to report any suspected fraudulent cases.

“We are seeing a record spike in identity theft-related unemployment fraud in Kansas and nationally,” Acting Secretary of Labor Ryan Wright said. “Identity theft is not a nameless, faceless crime. Fraudsters are victimizing our family members, friends, neighbors and coworkers.”

The state has received thousands of false claims and has blocked around 45,000 identity theft-related fraudulent claims from being paid out, according to a Tuesday news release from the Kansas Department of Labor.

Working with law enforcement in the effort to cease fraudulent activity, the Kansas Department of Labor has created and made available the website www.ReportFraud.ks.gov for Kansas residents.

“We have created this easy to use website as a simple way for individuals and businesses to report any suspected cases of identity theft related to an unemployment claim,” Wright said. “In addition to being able to report suspicious activity, we have also provided a number of resources for those who have become victims to identity theft to protect themselves.”