Coconino County and agencies across the nation have seen a surge in unemployment benefit fraud, largely in association with identity theft. 

What should you to do if you suspect you are a victim of unemployment fraud?

You may receive a notification through mail or other personal communication. If Human Resources notifies you, start at step 3.

1.) Notify Coconino County Human Resources by emailing ksedillo@coconino.az.gov

2.) Destroy any cards or checks you receive from Arizona DES.

3.) Report fraud to Arizona DES here. Complete this official and secure form in its entirety. DES will be able to make any correction to your account and is partnering with law enforcement to conduct investigations. 

4.) Watch for notices in the mail from the Arizona DES and pay close attention to the 2020 tax forms you receive. If you receive a 1099-G form for unemployment compensation you did not receive, contact DES immediately. Visit AZ DES' 1099-G Tax Form webpage to report the form you received.

5.) Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission here. This site can help you recover from identity theft.

6.) Report the identity theft to the Department of Justice's National Center for Disaster Fraud Disaster Complain Form.

7.) Consider freezing your credit files with Equifax, Experian, Innovis, TransUnion, and the National Consumer Telecommunications and Utilities Exchange for free. Credit freezes prevent someone from opening a credit account or utility services in your name. 

If Coconino County receives an unemployment insurance claim for you:

Human Resources will email you to confirm the claim is fraudulent. Human Resources will notify the claims management vendor to dispute the claim, which will also correct the record with DES. However, it is still important that you take steps 3-7 described above.