LEO | UIA: Be Alert to Thieves Changing Bank Information on Claims to Steal Benefits

Criminals 'mirror' cell phones to obtain logins, passwords

Workers urged to regularly review their MiWAM account details

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) today issued a warning about thieves stealing benefits from jobless workers. The criminals illicitly gain access to cell phones and then use the stolen personal data to change banking information.

Once a thief has mirrored a victim's cell phone, they can read email notifications, get into financial accounts, or change information such as bank routing numbers. In the case of unemployment claims, just before a worker must certify for bi-weekly jobless benefits, criminals will change direct deposit information to a bank account they control. Money is then automatically sent to the criminal's account instead of the bank the worker uses. While anyone can be a victim of mirroring, security experts say older phones running an outdated version of Android software may be most vulnerable to criminal activity.

“Anyone with an unemployment benefits account should watch their information closely and alert UIA to any unauthorized changes to bank routing numbers,” UIA Director Julia Dale said. “In one incident, a claimant called our Contact Center after not receiving benefits. Our staff noticed that the bank on the account had been changed. Within an hour of correcting the information it had been changed again to a bank with no connection to the claimant.”

When UIA fraud investigators notice bank routing information on a Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) account has been changed to an online banking app or a bank that does not have branches in Michigan -- both tip-offs to criminal activity -- they alert the claimant to verify the change is legitimate.

“Our staff proactively contacts workers when we see questionable activity on their claims,” Director Dale said. “We encourage everyone to review their account information for accuracy and to contact our offices if you see anything out of the ordinary so we can ensure claimants get their benefits and get them in a timely fashion.”

UIA offers these tips to protect banking and personal information:

Every time you certify for benefits, verify the banking information that you entered when you filed your claim.
Do not click on links in texts or emails from unknown sources. If you get an email purporting to be from UIA, contact the agency to confirm its validity.
Change your MiWAM account password, using a strong combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numerals, and special characters.
Find information and resources about fighting fraud at UIA’s official public website at Michigan.gov/UIA.
Closely monitor bank statements for any suspicious transactions or withdrawals.
Watch for unusual activity on your phone or added charges on your bill. If data usage goes up or your battery drains much more quickly it could be a sign that someone has access to your phone.
Look for and delete any phone apps you did not download.
Make sure phones and laptops have the latest security updates installed.

If you believe you are the victim of fraud or identity theft, you can report it through your MiWAM account or call UIA’s Customer Service hotline at 1-866-500-0017.

UIA's robust fight against fraud

UIA provides robust anti-fraud protections and monitoring of claims filed in MiWAM, the system claimants use to apply for benefits and employers use to pay taxes that support the unemployment program. In addition, UIA has a proprietary Fraud Manager program that analyzes claims at filing and certification, detecting irregularities or other suspicious patterns on claims.

UIA has created a Legal and Compliance Bureau and named a Legal Advisor to leverage collaborative anti-fraud practices and effectively pursue bad actors; extended through 2024 nearly 80 limited term employees to work in the Fraud and Investigations Division; and adopted new ethics and security clearance policies for employees and contractors.

UIA collaborates closely with Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB), the Michigan Security Operations Center, the U.S. Department of Labor (U.S. DOL) and the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) to identify criminal activity. It also partners with the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to bring criminals to justice. Since March 2020, 162 people have been charged with unemployment fraud, 91 convicted, and 72 sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution.

Here are sources for more information about how to protect online accounts or report suspicious activity:

UIA’s helpful What is Fraud webpage lists types of fraud, includes links to factsheets and forms, and a video on how to report identity theft. UIA’s YouTube channel includes videos about how to fight fraud.
The Michigan State Police’s Michigan Cyber Command Center, which provides cybersecurity education and shares cybersecurity information with the public.
The Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division provides helpful information about spotting identity theft and scams.

Helpful resources for workers

UIA is committed to protecting workers from fraud. Key to that effort is installing a new computer system that will include robust anti-fraud processes to build on the agency’s current aggressive practices. Expected to be fully operational in 2025, the new system is a cornerstone of transforming the UIA into a national model for fast, fair, and fraud-free service. UIA also offers innovative resources for workers and employers, including:

The UIA Claimant Roadmap, which is an easy-to-follow, user-friendly six-step guide to applying for and understanding unemployment benefits. The roadmap can be accessed at Michigan.gov/UIAClaimantRoadmap.

First-time filer coaching sessions use online group sessions to guide claimants through the steps needed to complete an application and qualify for payments.
The Advocacy Program has added new advocates who provide free legal advice to workers and employers who appeal UIA determinations.

The UIA Community Connect program embeds UIA staff in 10 regions across Michigan to provide hands-on expertise to workers about how to navigate the unemployment insurance application process. Liaisons also connect workers and employers to UIA’s outreach and education resources.

The agency’s official website at Michigan.gov/UIA has been revamped to be more user-friendly and responsive for those accessing services using cell phones or tablets.

Creating the UIA Modernization Workgroup, consisting of labor, business, and jobless advocates, to advise the UIA on significant improvements in how it can better serve Michigan workers and employers, including anti-fraud practices.

Developing the innovative Employer Help Center, found at Michigan.gov/UIAEmployerHelpCenter. The plain language Help Center answers employers’ questions on unemployment tax and claim issues and UIA programs.

Need help with a claim or have questions?

Speak with an agent: Schedule an in-person, phone, or virtual appointment at Michigan.gov/UIA.
Call Customer Service: 1-866-500-0017 during regular business hours.
Chat with Ava: Our chatbot can answer many questions at Michigan.gov/UIA.

Guidance for workers