Woman’s identity stolen to claim $23K in unemployment benefits

Ken Lemon
·2 min read

A Cherryville woman said someone in California stole her identity and claimed $23,000 in unemployment benefits in her name.

“It’s insane,” said Candy Walker, the victim.

ALSO READ: Eyewitness News viewers report unemployment fraud to Action 9

Last week, Walker got a letter from the IRS asking for nearly $4,000 in taxes for $23,000 in unemployment benefits paid to someone in Sacramento, California.

“I’ve never lived in California,” she told Channel 9.

Walker said she called the Department of Revenue, and they told her she was a victim of identity theft.

They advised her to call the major credit reporting agencies for her protection.

Equifax confirmed that she was part of a data breach that happened five years ago.

Walker said the California Employment Securities Commission won’t tell her anything about who filed the claim.

Candy Walker, of Cherryville, is a victim of identity theft. Someone in California used her information to get $23,000 in unemployment benefits. Now, she owes the IRS taxes for it.
Candy Walker, of Cherryville, is a victim of identity theft. Someone in California used her information to get $23,000 in unemployment benefits. Now, she owes the IRS taxes for it.

“They are still using my Social Security number and my name in California,” she said.

Walker said the IRS launched a fraud investigation and that in the interim, she doesn’t have to pay the bill.

However, she thinks someone could have caught the mistake and it has shaken her confidence in the system.

Now she’s afraid that her refund this year could be seized.

“I’m scared to file taxes right now, due to this problem,” Walker said.

Walker said she is considering flying to Sacramento to try to help police find the person who stole her identity.

This case involves two problems, which are identity theft and unemployment fraud.

There are five things to do if this happens to you:

  • Go to IdentityTheft.gov and create a recovery plan.

  • Freeze your credit.

  • Keep an eye on your bank accounts.

  • Change passwords to all your financial accounts.

  • Report the unemployment fraud to the agency in your state.

Has someone misused your personal information to claim unemployment insurance benefits? Click here.

Click here to report unemployment identity fraud.

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