Boise, ID
High 60 | Low 36
Currently: 37°
Sun
64|38
Mon
52|33
Tue
57|36

Idaho moves to reduce unemployment insurance fraud

By Sandra Forester - sforester@idahostatesman.com

Published: 02/08/10


Bookmark and Share
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook
print story email story to a friend

Email Story

close
Email Story
Comments (0) |

State leaders hope to curb an increase in unemployment insurance fraud with stricter penalties and more aggressive enforcement.

The Idaho Department of Labor has a new automated computer system that quickly cross-references information received from claimants and businesses. The department also has beefed up its team of investigators to track down potential fraud.

Under new penalties, those who defraud the system will have to repay the entire amount in addition to penalties of 25 percent to 100 percent of the amount. They will have to wait a minimum of 52 weeks before obtaining future benefits. The state also is pursuing criminal charges for serious offenders.

Businesses committing fraud to avoid paying unemployment insurance taxes will pay a penalty equal to 100 percent of the taxes due, or $250, whichever is greater. Employers making false statements, failing to disclose facts or becoming a party to filing a claim for fraudulent unemployment benefits will pay a penalty equal to 10 times the weekly benefit due an employee. The state also has the authority to place liens on employers who fail to pay taxes.

The public is encouraged to report fraud. Report it anonymously by calling 1-800-672-5627 for claimant fraud or 1-800-448-2977 for business fraud. Claimant fraud also can be reported on the Idaho Department of Labor Web site at labor.idaho.gov by clicking on the unemployment insurance link.

OPTIONS: Most Read Stories  |  Story Comments  |  Email Story  |  Print story
hide comments

Story Comments
We welcome comments but ask that you remain on topic. Some comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. Comments that are profane, personal attacks or otherwise inappropriate or are off topic are subject to removal. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Do not flag comments merely because you disagree with the comment.

more about comments here.
Local Deals
Find a Job
Keywords:
Location: