New program finds 10 fraudulent unemployment claims

A new program within the state’s Division of Criminal Justice is cracking down on fraudulent unemployment claims, estimated to cost the state $9 million a year.

In a new partnership between the Department of Labor and the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, officials at the Unemployment Compensation Fraud Unit have already arrested 10 people for fraudulent unemployment claims and are investigating another 40 cases.

“We’re not talking about someone making a mistake,” said Chief State’s Attorney Kevin Kane in a press release. “We’re talking about larceny ”“ stealing, the intentional theft of tax dollars that have been allocated to benefit those in need.”

The new program, created with federally funding, investigates cases based on public tips, integrity software and surveillance tools.

Those found guilty of unemployment compensation fraud face up to five years in prison and potential 20-year sentences for larceny.

“Our goal is to help maintain the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund and deter those that are trying to cheat the system,” said Labor Deputy Commissioner Dennis Murphy in a statement. “Ultimately this benefits employers who pay the trust fund, the taxpayers of Connecticut and our overall economic health.”