Today’s column is pure, unadulterated unemployment news. For those who don’t care about that, come back next week where I hope to return to also discussing jobs, work and small-business news. But first, one small business update: as of Jan. 24, 6,812 small businesses in Colorado were approved for $664 million in forgivable Paycheck Protection […]
IDme
Posted inBusiness, COVID, Economy, News
Colorado’s new effort to prevent unemployment fraud left two-thirds of suspect accounts failing to verify IDs
Colorado’s latest attempt to combat unemployment fraud had some noteworthy results in its first week. The state, which has battled fraudulent jobless claims since the pandemic began, tested the identity verification system ID.me on 500 people whose benefits are on hold due to suspicious activity. But only 138 followed through to prove they are who […]
Posted inBusiness, Economy, News
Colorado unemployment office plans to use biometric ID verification to battle fraud
A new identity verification system using biometrics is being installed by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to address the monthslong issues with pandemic unemployment fraud. The service, called ID.me, is used — or will be used — by 27 other state unemployment departments to make sure people filing for unemployment are who they […]
Posted inBusiness, COVID, Economy, News
Victims reported unemployment fraud to the Colorado Department of Labor. The state didn’t stop the claims.
Guy Mendt grew alarmed when he checked his mailbox on Monday. Two 1099 tax forms had arrived from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment letting him know he and his wife owed taxes on about $7,200 of unemployment benefits. The Mendts, both retired, found themselves fighting unemployment fraud. Again. The Windsor couple thought they […]