Idaho Department of Labor works to prevent, stop unemployment insurance fraud

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 23, 2025
Media Contact: Darlene.Carnopis@labor.idaho.gov

The conviction of Woody Roberts, 38, of Jerome, for two counts of Misrepresentation to Obtain Unemployment Insurance Benefits, began as an investigation by Idaho Department of Labor compliance staff as part of the Department’s efforts to stop unemployment insurance fraud.

“Preventing unemployment insurance fraud helps us keep unemployment insurance taxes low while still providing benefits to eligible individuals,” said Idaho Department of Labor Director Jani Revier.

Unemployment insurance fraud includes:

  • Failing to accurately report hours of work, cash wages and earnings from employers while receiving unemployment benefits.
  • Failing to accurately report when the claimant is unable to work, out of the area, on vacation or providing false work search contacts while collecting unemployment benefits.
  • Identity theft – using another person’s identity (name, social security number) to file fraudulent claims.
  • Stealing someone’s mail – a federal crime – and then using that person’s unemployment insurance debit card.
  • An employer coercing, inducing or colluding with an employee to file a false claim for benefits or providing false information regarding a worker’s separation from employment.

“We take unemployment insurance fraud very seriously. If someone makes a mistake in reporting, Labor staff will work with them to fix it but if they lie and it is uncovered, penalties will be assessed,” Director Revier said.

Claimants who make a mistake should call the UI Benefits Claim Center, (208) 332-8942, to get inaccurate information corrected.

If you suspect someone is fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits, you can notify Labor using the online form or provide the information by email to Fraud@labor.idaho.gov. You can also report suspected fraud by calling Labor’s toll-free tip line at (877) 540-8638 and leaving contact information for the person or business involved in committing the fraud.

The Idaho Department of Labor is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Dial 711 for Idaho Relay Service.

The Idaho Department of Labor’s employment services programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY25 as part of Wagner-Peyser Act grant (72%) and state/nonfederal funds (28%) totaling $8,497,701.