Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) thanks you for your efforts in combating unemployment fraud and abuse in Iowa which helps ensure that tax dollars are spent wisely and unemployment insurance (UI) benefits are only paid to people who are eligible to receive them.
If you are having an issue with ID theft:
Defining Fraud
Fraud is knowingly providing false information, or withholding information, in order to receive UI benefits. Fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits is a serious offense and can lead to severe penalties which include:
- criminal prosecution, fines and imprisonment
- denial of future benefits by administrative penalty
- repayment of fraudulently collected unemployment benefits, plus a 15 percent penalty
- wage garnishments and liens
- interception of state and federal tax refunds
Read more about UI Fraud: Understanding UI Fraud Flyer
Reporting Fraud
It is not necessary to provide your name or any other identifying information in order to file a complaint in regards to UI fraud. However, if the complaint is anonymous then IWD will be unable to contact you for further information, if needed. When filing a complaint, the following information is needed:
- name and address of the individual or business suspected of committing fraud
- if available, include the social security number and name of the business that the individual has been employed with over the last year
- describe your complaint in detail and provide dates when possible
A complaint can be submitted online, by mail or fax.
Online
The following links are resources for filing a complaint online:
Report Claimant Fraud
Report Employer Fraud
Report Job Refusal/Interview
Report all other UI Fraud
Mailing Address
Iowa Workforce Development
Attn: Fraud
1000 E. Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
Fax
Iowa Workforce Development
Attn: Fraud
Fax: 515-281-9033
Misclassification of Workers
The misclassification of workers as “independent contractors” rather than “employees” is a growing problem in Iowa and across the nation. IWD investigates cases of potential misclassification on an individual basis and will issue a determination on whether the person providing service is an employee or an independent contractor.