Tampa Unemployment Fraud Lawyer
Unemployment fraud has become rampant. It was especially bad during the pandemic. It is estimated that the amount of fraud in unemployment insurance programs during the COVID-19 pandemic was between $100 billion and $135 billion.
That’s a lot of money. Because there is so much fraud happening, investigators are actively looking for fraud cases.
Anyone who collects unemployment insurance benefits is legally responsible for making sure they follow the requirements set by state law. Failure to follow the rules can result in serious consequences, such as losing the eligibility to collect unemployment benefits in the future, repaying the benefits collected, prosecution by government authorities, fines, and prison sentences
There’s a lot at stake. Get a solid defense by contacting a Tampa unemployment fraud lawyer from Scriven Law, P.A.
Types of Unemployment Fraud
Unemployment fraud isn’t just getting benefits while you’re continuing to work. It can happen in many other ways such as:
- Identity theft. This is when someone uses another person’s identity (such as their Social Security number) to fraudulently claim unemployment benefits.
- False information. This is when individuals provide false information on their unemployment claims, such as misrepresenting their employment status, income, or reasons for unemployment.
- Double dipping. This occurs when individuals claim unemployment benefits while simultaneously being employed and earning income. They may not report their earnings to continue receiving benefits.
- Unreported income. Individuals fail to report additional income, such as earnings from freelance work or part-time jobs, while claiming unemployment benefits.
- Continued claims fraud. This occurs when individuals continue to claim unemployment benefits after they have returned to work or are no longer eligible for benefits.
- Employer fraud. Employers may manipulate records or provide false information to support fraudulent unemployment claims made by their employees.
- Ghost employees. Employers may fraudulently claim benefits for non-existent employees, often to obtain additional funds.
- Disqualification evasion. Individuals who are ineligible for unemployment benefits due to reasons such as being fired for misconduct or voluntarily leaving their job may attempt to fraudulently claim benefits by providing false information.
- Fraudulent documentation. This involves providing falsified documents to support a claim for unemployment benefits, such as forged pay stubs or employment records.
Common Defenses
An arrest does not have to lead to a conviction. Here are some common defenses:
- Lack of the specific intent to defraud. You did not mean to engage in fraud. You sincerely believed you were submitting an honest claim but made an unintentional error.
- Identity theft. Another person stole your personal information and submitted a false claim on your behalf.
- Insufficient evidence. There are an increasing number of prosecutions where there is a lack of evidence that the accused knowingly engaged in fraud.
Contact Scriven Law Today
If you were arrested for unemployment fraud in Tampa, you should immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney that handles fraud cases. A Tampa unemployment fraud lawyer from Scriven Law, P.A. can help you find legal defenses so you get a fair outcome. To schedule a consultation, call 813-226-8522 or fill out the online form.
