I got layoff 02/16/2024, I try to file the unemployment online. I find out my social security associated with unknow email address and phone number. I filled out the fraud claim form once, I got nothing to confirm to anything. What should I do next?

A) I’m sorry to hear about your layoff. Here’s what you can do next regarding the unknown email address and phone number associated with your Social Security number:

1. Report Identity Theft:
   • File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://www.identitytheft.gov/. This will help create a record of the identity theft and may be helpful for future actions.
   • Consider placing a fraud alert or freeze on your credit report to prevent further misuse of your information. You can do this by contacting each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
2. Contact Your Unemployment Office Directly:
   • Don’t rely solely on the online system. Call your state’s unemployment office and explain the situation. They can help you file a claim over the phone and update your information with the correct contact details. Find your state’s unemployment office contact information here: https://dol.ny.gov/unemployment/unemployment-insurance-assistance
3. Follow Up on Your Fraud Claim:
   • If you haven’t heard back after a reasonable amount of time (around a week), reach out to the agency you filed the fraud claim with to check the status.

Here are some additional resources that might be helpful:

• The Social Security Administration’s page on protecting yourself from scams: https://www.ssa.gov/scam/
• The Department of Labor’s identity theft page: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20210414

It’s important to be proactive in addressing identity theft. By taking these steps, you can help minimize the damage and protect yourself financially.