OHIO, USA — Have you received an IRS 1099-G form in the mail for unemployment benefits that you never claimed? You likely are a victim of identity theft.
And you're not alone.
We received a voicemail from one viewer describing something too common across Ohio. "My husband received a 1099-G from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and he did not receive unemployment compensation throughout the year," she said.
The Better Business Bureau is warning of widespread unemployment identity theft fraud. Receiving that 1099-G form when you haven't received benefits is a sign your identity has been stolen.
Dick Eppstein with the Better Business Bureau says it's important to report it right away. "This is serious people. Because what it means is the government is reporting you were paid this money to the IRS and that's like a W-2. You can have to be paying taxes on that money that you never received, " Eppstein said.
Even Gov. Mike DeWine has had a 1099-G form filed under his name.
Some receiving the forms were never unemployed during the past year.
But, keep that form and don't worry - there's ways to get help if this has happened to you.
If you believe your personal information has been compromised and used to file a fraudulent unemployment claim, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has set up a toll-free hotline to call for help.
You can notify the agency by dialing 833-658-0394 from 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
An online portal is also available to securely report identity theft to ODJFS. Visit unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov and click on "Report Identity Theft." An online guide will walk you through how to report identity theft, filing your taxes using IRS guidance and protecting your identity.