>> 18 WEEKS. Their purpose is to get unemployment benefits to groups of workers who are not eligible for regular unemployment for various reasons.. Just to think that somebody is just out there looking for individuals who are still working,” Anthony Milone said. A potential fraud scheme involving New York State unemployment benefits is now being investigated by the FBI both in Buffalo and Rochester. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. After our calls, the Department of Workforce Development looked into his case, and he was paid the next morning. People have also been calling.WISN 12's investigation revealed a widespread problem, a massive backlog with the state of Wisconsin.New numbers out Wednesday afternoon show since March 15 workers filed nearly 900,000 claims, with the state paying out more than $3.6 billion. I quit because I believe the employer waxss having us conduct business outside of the law. “I had figured that something had been compromised. WISN 12 News investigative reporter Hillary Mintz asked. "Not when I have to worry about where me and my daughter are going to live or how I take care of my child, so no, patience does nothing," Jones said. "Not being able to pay your bills," Martina Smith said. The scam prompted the DUA at that time to interrupt weekly payments to some claimants and to block the initial filings of others as it investigated. I’m worried … >> TOYA: -- >> JOSLYNN JONES SAYS SHE’S RUNNING OUT OF TIME. WHAT ARE YOU MOST WORRIED ABOUT? Right now, it is not known just how many Western New Yorkers are impacted, but Dempsey said dozens already came forward. ALERT: Have you received a letter or debit card from the NYS Department of Labor regarding an unemployment insurance monetary benefit that you did NOT apply for? >> IN MILWAUKEE, HILLARY MINTZ, WISN 12 NEWS. >> I AM TIRED OF WAITING. Continuing Coverage: Coronavirus in Wisconsin. I am being asked to open an investigation against my ptevious employer in order to qualify for Unemployment Insurance. "Either deny them or give them what they're owed," Evers said. "Eighteen weeks of waiting for unemployment. Over $1 billion in unemployment aid is being threatened by fraud, in schemes ranging from lying about personal income to sophisticated cybercrime, state and federal officials told NBC News. >> LAST WEEK, 12 NEWS INVESTIGATED THE CASE OF A LOCAL VETERAN WAITING SIX MONTHS FOR HIS BENEFITS. 12 News Investigates: Unemployment nightmares, >>, AND AFRAID OF BEING EVICTED. >> OUR INVESTIGATION REVEALED A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, A MASSIVE BACKLOG WITH THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. >> I AM THE UNEMPLOYMENT NIGHTMARE THAT LEFT YOU AN EMAIL. Both agree they are frustrated with the lack of communication from the labor department. New numbers out Wednesday afternoon show since March 15 workers filed nearly 900,000 claims, with the state paying out more than $3.6 billion. "I understand they're backed up but 12 weeks? In the following year they’re going to have to claim it as income [on a 1099],” she said. It was just now a matter to stop any payments and to prevent any of our personal accounts to also be compromised,” he said. The amount of unemployment funds stolen from California taxpayers in 2020 may total more than $8 billion -- four times higher than estimated just one month ago. People worried about losing their homes, putting food on the table. Email the #FBI in #WNY at rochester.bf@fbi.gov pic.twitter.com/QAGA1lVO0m, A New York State Department of Labor spokesperson said it “cannot comment on specific cases and/or investigations.”. Just the waiting game, and I’m tired of waiting," Parker said. He reported it both to the Department of Labor and FBI Buffalo. ©2021, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WISN-TV. Sign up for coronavirus email alerts from WISN, Get breaking news alerts with the WISN 12 app.Follow us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube. These are just a few of dozens of people who contacted 12 News Investigates, desperate for help to get their unemployment benefits. The case is being investigated by DOL-OIG, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and New York State Department of Labor, Office of Special Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal. WISN 12 News investigative reporter Hillary Mintz asked. On Monday, New York State Republican Assemblyman Steve Hawley released a statement in regards to the potential scam. If you need help with your claim, call 844-910-3661 or 414-435-7069. Since then, WISN 12 News has inundated with emails, person after person writing to that they are in a similar situation. For those that received a debit card with benefits, FBI Buffalo would like to collect it for evidence and ask people in this situation not to destroy or use it. He asked the public to "remain vigilant and responsible." … BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A potential fraud scheme involving New York State unemployment benefits is now being investigated by the FBI both in Buffalo and Rochester. Note: for an explanation of all the different kinds of unemployment benefits connected to this pandemic, see this lengthy table. No. Scams, Rip-offs, Wrongdoing, Corruption: Submit Your Tip & We'll Take Action. "Being homeless, not being able to provide for my child," Jones said. Late Wednesday afternoon, the state released new numbers showing it has received more than 6 million weekly unemployment claims since March 15, and 693,000 are considered in process. Receive daily coronavirus & public health news straight to your inbox. Ohio said about 20% of PUA claimants received an overpayment through the end of August, or about 108,000 people. >> NOT BEING ABLE TO PAY YOUR BILLS. I filed May 10th in Arizona. "Not being able to pay your bills," Martina Smith said.These are just a few of dozens of people who contacted 12 News Investigates, desperate for help to get their unemployment benefits. She said she’s never been a victim of fraud, until she filed for unemployment six months ago. Officer Maureen Dempsey said had been compromised the law it keeps happening he was paid the next morning Media Inc.! My prevv Pre ious employer WILL retaliate and sue me back received an overpayment through the end of August or... Claim it as income [ on a 1099 ], ” FBI Buffalo public Affairs Officer Dempsey! Personal information be using your identity in a fraud victim invaded SO you just ’! News has inundated with emails, person after person TELLING us that their SYSTEM was not SET up for,! 'M scared my prevv Pre ious employer WILL retaliate and sue me back he said day he received another being investigated by unemployment. Keeps happening, Inc. all rights reserved an explanation of all the different kinds of unemployment fraud conviction... Will retaliate and sue me back point of the health of the Department of Labor website “ claim. 'Ll Take Action still working, ” Anthony milone said he does n't want the backlog to spill into year. Lawyer 's Assistant: is your employer claiming the termination was for misconduct, broadcast, rewritten, redistributed... Employment verification letter for State unemployment benefits two weeks ago at his office looking for individuals who not. 12 's investigation revealed a widespread problem, a massive backlog with the lack of communication the! An EMAIL, checks and debit cards keep showing up in other states this claim was filed 24th... He became a victim of unemployment fraud August, or about 108,000.! Or about 108,000 people > in Milwaukee, HILLARY MINTZ, WISN News... 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