Published: Dec. 21, 2020

CU employees received notification from Kathy Nesbitt, CU System Vice President of Administration, regarding a recent rise in fraudulent unemployment claims. For the Boulder campus, here is what you need to know: 

What are fraudulent unemployment claims?

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) has seen a rise in fraudulent unemployment claims attempting to exploit the overall increase in unemployment insurance claims associated with COVID-19. This widespread fraud scheme involves unemployment claims filed using another person’s identity.

How do know if I am affected by fraudulent unemployment claims?

Many victims are alerted to this identity theft by receiving a U.S. Bank ReliaCard in the mail when they have not filed for unemployment. CU Boulder Human Resources is also reaching out to those who have a claim but are still employed by the university.

Did CU have an information breach?

This identity theft scam has affected Coloradans around the state, and we’ve heard from University of Colorado faculty and staff who have been targeted in this scheme. This fraud is not connected to a breach or compromise of University of Colorado systems. CU was not the source of the data breach that resulted in this scam.

How is CU Boulder assisting faculty and staff that experience unemployment fraud?

CU Boulder Human Resources has put together guidance and has been working with faculty and staff that experience unemployment fraud. View the Unemployment Fraud page for steps to take if you suspect or experience unemployment fraud.