Capitol News

During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is sharing guidance for workers and employers to help protect personal information from fraudsters.

Jason Palmer, director of UIA, stated, “We encourage all workers and employers to be aware of any attempts to steal personal identifying information that allows access to their accounts. There are a number of bad actors out there who would look for an opportunity to strike. Our agency has processes in place to catch thieves posing as workers or employers trying to access account information. Be vigilant and know how to spot scammers who are after your money.”

The UIA recommends several steps for online safety, such as changing passwords regularly with strong combinations, avoiding clicking on suspicious links in emails or texts claiming to be from UIA, verifying the source of communications, monitoring bank statements for unusual activity, installing security updates promptly, and deleting unknown phone apps. The agency also advises against sharing personal information over random calls or responding to unsolicited messages.

Workers and employers can find more information about preventing fraud at the UIA’s website: Michigan.gov/UIA. Those who suspect they have been victims of identity theft or fraud can report it through their MiWAM account or by calling the Customer Service hotline at 1-866-500-0017.

The UIA uses a proprietary Fraud Manager program that analyzes claims at filing and certification stages in order to detect irregularities or suspicious patterns. The agency collaborates with other state departments including the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB), the Michigan Security Operations Center, as well as federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Labor (U.S. DOL) and the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA). It also works with law enforcement agencies at various levels. Since March 2020, authorities have charged 165 individuals with unemployment fraud; 125 have been convicted and 108 sentenced to prison with restitution orders.

Additional resources provided by UIA include a What is UI Fraud webpage offering factsheets and reporting tools, as well as educational videos on its YouTube channel.

To further enhance anti-fraud efforts, UIA plans to launch a new computer system called MiUI by summer 2026 that will feature expanded anti-fraud measures. This upgrade is part of broader efforts aimed at making the agency’s services faster and more secure.

Other available resources include:

- The Claimant Roadmap: a six-step guide for unemployment benefits applicants.

- An AI-powered chatbot providing quick answers on desktop or mobile devices.

- Online Coaching Sessions led by staff covering topics such as overpayment repayment and appeals.

- A resource list for federal workers affected by furloughs or terminations.

- The Economic Dashboard tracking unemployment insurance trends statewide.

- The Employer Help Center offering plain language guides on tax and claim issues.

- A no-cost Advocacy Program providing legal advice during appeals.

- The Modernization Workgroup advising on service improvements.

For support with claims or questions about services, individuals can use FAQs at Michigan.gov/UIA, interact with the chatbot online, chat via MiWAM during business hours Monday through Friday, schedule appointments up to two weeks ahead at Michigan.gov/UIA, or call 1-866-500-0017.