Report Fraud and Identity Theft

Reporting Fraud and Identity Theft Online

If you think someone, a claimant or a business, is committing fraud, please follow the link below. You may not know all the information requested; however, please provide as much information as you can. Remember you can remain anonymous.

Report Claimant Fraud
and Identity Theft Report Employer Fraud

UI Fraud is a crime which affects everyone. It drives up the cost of UI taxes for businesses and causes frustration for law-abiding employers and workers. The Montana Department of Labor & Industry takes UI Fraud very seriously; all reports of potential, alleged, or suspected fraud are thoroughly reviewed and investigated accordingly. Those found to have committed UI fraud are subject to penalties and/or criminal prosecution.

If you suspect a person (Claimant) or a business (Employer) is committing UI fraud, please select the appropriate link to the right, fill in the fields and select “Send Now”. You may also contact our fraud investigator by phone at (406) 444.0072 or toll free at (888) 556.4677; by email at mtuifraud@mt.gov. No matter how you report information or your suspicions, YOU MAY REMAIN ANONYMOUS if you wish.

We thank you for your efforts to help combat UI fraud and abuse in Montana; you are a VERY important source of information about claimants and employers committing UI fraud. Please understand due to confidentiality restrictions, we will not be able to advise you any outcome of any investigation we conduct.

Types of Fraud

Common Types of Claimant Fraud

A person, filing for benefits, who currently is or has:
  • Reported they looked for work when they didn’t
  • Claimed to be available for work when they were not, (i.e. on vacation, injured, etc.)
  • Inaccurately reporting hours and or earnings
  • Is also receiving workers’ compensation
  • Working while collecting benefits and not reporting earnings or hours worked
  • Is falsifying or knowingly failing to disclose required information
  • Is not reporting cash wages earned
  • Is not reporting payments from a former employer (i.e. “back pay for banked hours” or pension/retirement payments)
  • Committing identity theft by using another person’s identity to file a claim for benefits

Common Types of Employer Fraud

An employer who, has in the past or currently is:
  • Aiding someone in filing a fraudulent claim
  • Coercing, persuading, or inducing an employee to file a false claim
  • Providing false information regarding a worker’s separation from employment
  • Failing to report a separation from work by an employee
  • Falsifying or knowingly failing to provide accurate information
  • Misclassifying an employee and the work performed (i.e. labeling the employee as an Independent Contractor (IC) when the employee does not have an IC Exemption Certificate)
  • You believe has employees but is not reporting those employees to UI
  • Not reporting wages earned by an employee, or under reporting an employee’s wages

Detecting Fraud

Surprisingly enough, many who commit fraud will boast or brag about it or even speak openly about it. Comments or conversations which are heard where someone is alluding to committing fraud should be reported.

You may know someone who is receiving benefits yet they are working. While this may be legitimate employment which is being reported and does not disqualify one from receiving benefits, it also may not be getting reported. These instances should be reported so they may be reviewed and assessed. Often crimes go unsolved or unknown because witnesses do not want to get involved. UI Fraud hurts everyone, you can report it anonymously.

You may know of or even work for an employer who allows people to “bank” hours to be paid later during lay off times while the employees are collecting benefits. While the payment for “banked” hours may not disqualify the worker from receiving benefits, it does need to be accurately reported.

You may know of or suspect someone of using another’s identity to file for benefits. Not only is this fraud, but it is also identity theft and needs to be reported.

White collar crimes such as UI Fraud are often very complex. Even if you have just a suspicion someone is committing fraud, we implore you to report it. We will review all pertinent information and take appropriate action.

UI Fraud Alert from the Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Labor

UI Fraud & Identity Verification

DLI takes UI fraud very seriously and is committed to protecting the integrity of the UI program. All reports of suspected fraud are thoroughly reviewed and investigated. Those found to have committed UI fraud are subject to penalties, including criminal prosecution.
  • Identity theft is a crime in which an imposter obtains key pieces of personally identifiable information, such as Social Security or driver's license numbers. Criminals use this information to impersonate someone else, usually for financial gain. Last Updated 6/11/20
  • Imposter fraud occurs when someone illegally files an unemployment claim using another person’s personal and employment information. Last Updated 6/11/20
  • DLI is diligently working to detect, prevent and reduce UI and imposter fraud while ensuring claims continue to be processed as quickly and accurately as possible. DLI works with other states and the federal government to cross-match data to detect fraud. DLI has also implemented additional security measures to spot and flag irregularities that indicate potential fraud. Last Updated 6/11/20
  • Some people find out when they receive a letter from DLI they were not expecting or a letter requesting they verify their identity before benefits can be paid. Others find out when an employer notifies them that it has received notice the employee has applied for UI benefits. Last Updated 6/11/20
  • What should I do if I suspect someone has fraudulently established a claim for UI benefits using my personal information?

    Call the UI Fraud Hotline at (406) 444-0072 or 1-888-556-4677 (toll-free) or email mtuifraud@mt.gov.  Include your name, email address, phone number, and a brief explanation as to why you suspect someone has fraudulently established a UI claim using your personal information.  A customer service representative will contact you if further information is needed.

    Last Updated 12/14/23
  • What should I do if I suspect someone has fraudulently established a claim for PUA benefits using my personal information?

    If you receive a letter indicating a claim for PUA benefits has been filed using your personal information and you DID NOT file the claim, go to mtpua.mt.gov and click on 

    Use a Letter ID to Report Identity Theft. There is a Letter ID and an Account ID or Claim ID in the upper right corner of the notice you received asking you to verify your identity. You will be required to enter the Letter ID and confirm it, before entering the Account ID or Claim ID. After clicking next, you will be asked for your contact information, so that the Department can contact you to investigate the matter.

    Last Updated 6/11/20

  • You can notify your financial institutions, the three major credit bureaus, and the Social Security office that you believe you are a victim of identity theft. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or call 877-ID-THEFT. File a police report with local law enforcement and make sure you receive a copy of the police report so you can present that to creditors or others who may require proof of the crime. You can also apply for an Identity Theft Passport that will help you prove to creditors and law enforcement that your identity has been used to commit fraud.

    For more information on identity theft and how to protect your personal information:

    Last Updated 6/11/20
  • DLI determined UI benefits were paid on a claim fraudulently established using my personal information. Do I have to repay those benefits even though I did not request or receive those benefits?

    If DLI determines that benefits were paid out on a fraudulently established claim, you will not be required to repay those benefits. DLI takes UI fraud seriously and thoroughly investigates allegations of fraud. An investigation may take longer as DLI continues to process the unprecedented number of new and reactivated claims filed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Last Updated 6/11/20
  • If DLI determines someone used my personal information to establish a claim for UI benefits, can I still apply for benefits if I need to?

    Yes. It may take some time, as DLI will take every step necessary to ensure your claim is distinguished from a fraudulent one.

    Last Updated 6/11/20
  • There has been an increase in fraudulent UI claims filed in Montana. To prevent the payment of benefits on these fraudulent claims, DLI may require you to submit documentation to verify your identity. This is intended to protect both you and the UI program. Last Updated 6/11/20

  • Report UI fraud at DLI’s Report Fraud page by clicking on Report Claimant Fraud or Report Employer Fraud and provide the requested information. You can also report UI fraud by calling (406) 444-0072 or 1-888-556-4677.

    You may also email your information to mtuifraud@mt.gov. Include the contact information of the claimant and/or employer suspected of UI fraud if you know it and provide as much information as you can about the suspected UI fraud. Remember, you can remain anonymous. If you want DLI to contact you, please include your name, telephone number, and email address.

    Ensure your documents are clear and readable. Write your name, email address, and telephone number on your documents. A customer service representative will contact you if further information is required.

    Last Updated 9/27/23