Unemployment Fraud — Update for Affected Employees

By Yavonda Chase

As previously reported, to expedite the filing of unemployment claims during the pandemic, the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services (ADWS) allowed online filing to improve the timely delivery of checks for those applying for benefits. Unfortunately, this resulted in the filing of fraudulent claims that affected thousands of Arkansans, including those who have not filed for benefits.

The Little Rock Police Department (LRSD) and the ADWS are working together to lessen the impact to employees relative to fraudulent unemployment claims.

Please note, there has not been a data breach by UAMS, as UAMS has not transmitted any information to ADWS that would have led to these fraudulent claims.

The Little Rock Police Department has received an overwhelming number of reports of fraudulent unemployment claims. Due to the overwhelming number of calls, the police department has simplified the process for victims who received a fraudulent claim letter and has not yet filed a police report. Send an email to unemploymentclaims@littlerock.gov.

The email should include the following information:

  1. First and last name
  2. Date of birth
  3. Home address
  4. Phone number
  5. Date of fraudulent claim
  6. Date you were notified of the claim
  7. Current employer
  8. Job title
  9. Any other details that you believe might be relevant

After the email is received, it will take 7-10 business days for processing. Below is a link to the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services website regarding what victims need to do: https://www.dws.arkansas.gov/src/files/Be_Aware_UI_Fraud_Info_09242020.pdf

Please direct any questions related to this announcement to employeerelations@uams.edu.