How to find out if you’re a victim of ESD fraud

According to an article on Crosscut, citing an ESD spokesperson:

You can check and see if you’ve been a victim of unemployment benefits fraud by proactively setting up an Employment Security Department account online. You can do this simply by visiting the ESD website and clicking “Create new account”. You’ll be asked for personal information, including your social security number.

Only ever do this directly from the ESD website. Do not click links in emails or on social media. Fraud is perpetrated often through fake links that capture private information that enables them to use your name to file for unemployment. If you haven’t already applied for benefits, you should be able to set up the account. If you get a notice saying the Social Security number you entered is already in use, that could be an indication of a fraudulent claim.