The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) is committed to protecting the integrity of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program, ensuring it remains fair and effective for all who depend on it. Our Unemployment Insurance Division employs rigorous measures to prevent fraud and maintain the program’s sustainability.

How we protect the program:

  • All new claims are verified against Social Security Administration records, and non-citizen claims are cross-checked with Homeland Security to ensure accuracy.
  • Claimants undergo regular “Eligibility Reviews” to confirm they still qualify for benefits, and reported earnings are verified with employers.
  • To detect overpayments and identify potential fraud, we match quarterly wages reported by employers with UI payments.

What happens if you commit unemployment insurance fraud?

  • You’ll have to repay the money you were overpaid. (W.S. 27-3-409(b))
  • A 5% penalty is added when the overpayment is set up, plus another 5% every six months until you pay it all back. (W.S. 27-3-409(d))
  • You’ll be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits for 52 weeks. (W.S. 27-3-311(e))
  • You could face criminal charges, and if convicted, you’ll lose benefits for an additional two years. (W.S. 27-3-702) (W.S. 27-3-702(c))
  • A 15% fraud penalty will also be added to the total amount you owe.(27-3-409(d))

Fraud has serious consequences, so it’s important to always report your information accurately!

Protect yourself from scams: 

Scammers may try to exploit people receiving Unemployment Insurance or Workers’ Compensation benefits by sending fake text messages to steal personal and account information. DWS Director Liz Gagen emphasizes the importance of protecting your identity: “The Department of Workforce Services will only communicate with claimants using their preferred contact method.” Remember, DWS will never send text messages with links asking you to log in or provide sensitive information like Social Security numbers, bank account details, PINs, or passwords.

Tips to Stay Safe:

  • Don’t Click on Links: Be wary of unsolicited emails or texts. If in doubt, go directly to the official website to log in to your account.
  • Keep Your Information Updated: Regularly check that your address, phone number, email, and payment details are accurate and have not been changed without your knowledge.
  • Stay Informed: If you have any questions or concerns about Unemployment Insurance or Workers’ Compensation, visit the DWS website for more information.

By staying vigilant and taking these simple precautions, you can help protect yourself and support the continued integrity of the Unemployment Insurance program.

Additional tips for protecting personal data are available at cybersecurity.wyo.gov.

Report Unemployment Insurance Fraud call-box

Report Workers’ Compensation Fraud call-box

Report fraud by phone
For fraud relating to Workers’ Compensation, call (888) 996-9226.
For fraud relating to Unemployment Insurance (UI), call (307) 235-3236.

Fraud-Related Resources