Surge In Unemployment Means Increase In Fraud

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development says the state’s surge in unemployment claims has led to an increase in fraud cases.  The agency reports it has flagged 342 unsuccessful efforts to use fake social security numbers to access unemployment benefits.  D-W-D says it has found another 26 thousand dollars in payments which went to 171 people who should never have received the money.  The department’s director says it’s sad to see some individuals trying to take advantage of the economic downturn driven by the coronavirus pandemic.