How Do I Report Unemployment Insurance Fraud?

Unemployment fraud is knowingly providing false information, or withholding information, in order to receive insurance benefits. Fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits is a serious offense and can lead to severe penalties. Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) continuously works to combat unemployment insurance (UI) fraud and abuse to help ensure tax dollars are protected and benefits are used for those who need them.  

Understanding Unemployment Fraud and the Consequences

Examples of Fraud:

  • Deliberately reporting incorrect or zero wages.
  • Saying you are able and available to work, or actively looking for work, when you're not.
  • Failing to report ALL gross earnings during the week in which they are earned while claiming UI benefits.
  • Filing a claim under another person's name, social security number, or employment information without their knowledge or consent.
  • Filing a claim for someone who is incarcerated.

Potential Consequences of Committing Fraud:

  • You will be required to repay any UI benefit payments you have received, along with interest and other mandatory penalties.
  • You may NOT be able to collect additional UI benefits until the UI debt is repaid.
  • Your state and federal income tax refunds may be taken to pay back your debt.
  • The state may pursue prosecution and, in some cases, it could result in jail time.

How to Report Unemployment Insurance Fraud

You can file a complaint anonymously.  However, if a complaint is anonymous, IWD will be unable to follow up with you if further information is needed.  When filing a complaint, the following information is requested:

  • The name and address of the individual or business suspected of committing fraud
  • If available, the social security number and name of the business that the individual has been employed with over the last year
  • Any additional detail that can assist with the compliant, including dates when possible

Where to Submit an Unemployment Insurance Fraud Complaint 

You can submit a fraud report online, by mail, or faxed:

  • Online

Report Claimant Fraud

Report Employer Fraud

Report Job Refusal/Interview

Report all other UI Fraud

Mail

Iowa Workforce Development

Attn: Fraud

​1000 E. Grand Avenue

Des Moines, IA 50319

Fax: 515-281-9033 Please indicate your fax should be at the attention of Fraud.

Additional Issues To Report

Related Agencies and Services

Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (Unemployment Insurance Appeals and Labor Division Section)

Address: 
6200 Park Avenue, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50321

Labor Division: (515) 242-5870

Labor Division Wage Section: (515) 725-5619

Unemployment Insurance Appeals - Fax: (515) 478-3528

Unemployment Insurance Appeals - In Iowa: (800) 532-1483

Unemployment Insurance Appeals - Outside Iowa: (800) 247-5205


Iowa Workforce Development (Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Tax)

Address: 
1000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA  50319

Unemployment Insurance Benefits: (866) 239-0843

Unemployment Insurance Tax: (888) 848-7442

Iowa Workforce Development website Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing