STATEWIDE. MAKING UP ABOUT 8% OF ALL INPATIENTS. CAROL: RIGHT NOW IN SOUTH CAROLINA- OVER 2800 CLAIMS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION. THAT’S ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE. DEW SAYS IT’S WORKING WITH STATE AND FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TO BRING CHARGES AGAINST PEOPLE COMMITTING UNEMPLOYMENT FRAUD, FOR FINANCIAL GAIN IN THE PANDEMIC. ANYONE FOUND GUILTY LOSES UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY FOR A YEAR. MUST PAY BACK BENEFITS RECEI
DEW: 2,885 unemployment insurance claims sent to authorities for investigation, prosecution
South Carolina officials have referred more than 2,800 insurance claims to law enforcement for investigation and prosecution for unemployment fraud.According to a news release, officials with the Department of Employment and Workforce said they are working with state and federal partners to bring charges to those who are accused of committing unemployment fraud for financial gain, during the COVID-19 pandemic.As of February 2021, 2,855 unemployment insurance claims have been sent to authorities.“The federal programs created to help people through the pandemic have, unfortunately, also been very susceptible to criminals eager to take advantage of these funds and circumvent the law for their own financial gain,” said DEW Executive Director Dan Ellzey.“We do anticipate cases will move forward and charges will be filed against some of these bad actors. Investigations take time, so it is hard to say when that will happen. If and when charges are filed, we will work to communicate this information,” concluded Ellzey.If someone is found to have committed unemployment insurance fraud, they will be disqualified from receiving benefits for up to 52 weeks, according to officials. They will also have to repay any benefits received improperly and pay a penalty.It can also be punishable by fines and prison time.Those found guilty of fraud over $50,000 can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and face $100,000 in fines. Those found guilty of fraud between $10,000 -$50,000, can face up to 5 years in prison and $50,000 in fines.
South Carolina officials have referred more than 2,800 insurance claims to law enforcement for investigation and prosecution for unemployment fraud.
According to a news release, officials with the Department of Employment and Workforce said they are working with state and federal partners to bring charges to those who are accused of committing unemployment fraud for financial gain, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of February 2021, 2,855 unemployment insurance claims have been sent to authorities.
“The federal programs created to…
Read More: 2,885 unemployment insurance claims sent to authorities for investigation,