Sheriff's Office sees increase in unemployment benefit fraud

WHITMAN COUNTY – The Whitman County Sheriff's Office has seen a significant increase in reports of unemployment benefit fraud. Most of the reports have been from teachers and school administrators from across the county.

The Sheriff's office released suggestions for steps to take if your personal information is compromised during unemployment fraud, identity theft, or a phone scam. Taking these steps before fraud occurs will help ensure you don’t become an easy victim.

First, obtain a copy of your credit report to ensure there are no unauthorized accounts or activity. Federal law entitles you to one free credit report every 12 months from each of the three national credit reporting agencies.

Second, a fraud alert can make it harder for an identity thief to open more accounts in your name. If someone has misused your personal information – or even if you're concerned about identity theft, but haven't yet become a victim – you can place a fraud alert. You can place a fraud alert by asking one of the three nationwide credit bureaus. It has to put the alert on your credit report and tell the other two credit bureaus to do so. The alert lasts one year.

Third, consider placing a credit lock or credit freeze with each credit bureau. This free tool lets you restrict access to your credit report, which in turn makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. A credit freeze can be removed or temporarily lifted when you want to apply for credit account or a loan.

Most of these services are free or require a minimal charge. They can easily be accomplished online via the company’s website or over the phone.

If you need to file a police report related to unemployment fraud, identity theft, or a other scams please call the Sheriff's Office's non-emergency line at (509) 397-4341.