Reemployment Assistance Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person’s information to take on his or her identity. Identity theft may include wages and employment information, as well as credit card and mail fraud. 

Signs of Reemployment Assistance (RA) Identity Theft:

• An individual has never filed for RA benefits but receives a payment for RA via direct deposit, or debit card.
• An individual has never filed for RA benefits but receives an IRS 1099-G tax form.
• An individual attempts to file a RA claim and is notified that their Social Security Number is already in use.
• An employer receives a request for separation information regarding an employee who is still employed and did not file for RA. 
• An employer receives a quarterly charge statement and has received charges for an employee who has not filed a RA claim or an individual who has never worked for them.

Reemployment Assistance Fraud

RA fraud occurs when someone knowingly provides false information, or withholds facts, to obtain benefits for which they are not eligible.

Examples of RA Fraud:

• Providing false information or withholding information when applying for RA benefits
• Deliberately reporting incorrect or zero wages
• Saying you are able and available for work, or actively looking for work, when you are not
• Failing to report all gross earnings during the week in which they are earned while claiming RA benefits
• Filing a claim under another person’s name, Social Security Number, or employment information without their knowledge or consent
• Filing a claim for someone who is incarcerated

RA fraud is a serious offense that carries some serious penalties. For example:

• You will be required to repay any RA benefit payments you have received, along with a 15% penalty fee.
• You may NOT be able to collect additional RA benefits until the debt is repaid.
• Your federal income tax refund may be taken to pay back your debt.
• DEO may refer your case to the State Attorney for prosecution, which can result in a charge of grand theft or a misdemeanor.

Reporting Identity Theft and Reemployment Assistance Fraud

Your assistance directly strengthens the efforts of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to ensure Florida employers’ tax dollars are spent wisely and Reemployment Assistance (RA) benefits only go to eligible claimants. If you believe you know of a potential case of RA fraud, you are a victim of identity theft, or you are an employer and have an employee who is a victim, it is important that you report it to us immediately through the Reemployment Assistance Help Center.

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