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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Unemployment Fraud During Crisis Hinders Process for Legit Claims

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Wednesday, July 8, 2020   

PIERRE, S.D. -- The COVID-19 crisis has produced a number of other serious issues, and one is higher cases of unemployment fraud. Bogus claims have surged in South Dakota, and state officials say it slows the process for those who desperately need help.

Over an eight-week period, according to the state Department of Labor and Regulation, it saw more than 50,000 initial unemployment claims, compared with about 3,000 over the same stretch in normal times. Department Secretary Marcia Hultman said the higher numbers, coupled with the added $600 a week in federal assistance, have created more targets for fraud.

"There's more money on the table, and so it makes it -- I hate to say it -- maybe a little more worth somebody's time to try to commit fraud," she said. "So we have, as well as increased claim numbers, seen increased incidences of fraud."

Hultman said they usually see a handful of fraud cases each week, but now average 250 a week. That puts a strain on the office, requiring more staff and time to investigate suspicious claims. This means people legitimately seeking jobless benefits could go longer without income.

For a potential victim whose claim has been flagged, Hultman said, her office usually is able to detect quickly that fraud has been committed by someone else, allowing the claim to proceed. Federal stimulus money has allowed her to bolster staffing, but she said navigating the current wave of demands isn't easy.

"It is like a snake has swallowed a beach ball, and we are just slowly moving that beach ball of claims through the process," she said. "But if we have to take individuals off of processing the claim to then investigate fraud, it's going to slow us down."

Even if they can hire additional staff, she said, it takes a lot of time to train them and get them started. Department officials have said the public can help by notifying them or local authorities immediately if they think someone has stolen their identity and is using it to file an unemployment claim.

The South Dakota fraud alert is online at dlr.sd.gov.


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