The state has recouped $1.35 million in fraudulently paid benefits in the first quarter of 2016 and Erie County has led the charge.
In the first three months, Erie County has paid $153,000 back to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund after finding people were getting benefits they were not eligible for. That's $40,000 more than the next closest county, which was Queens with $113,000.
The Erie County District Attorney's Office investigates and prosecutes fraud cases.
The amount collected statewide in the first quarter of 2016 is a record and puts the state on pace to surpass last year’s record amount of money recouped, which was over $3.7 million from 568 cases statewide.
Employers across the state have to contribute to Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. When it pays out because of a fraudulent claim, employers have to pay more.
If you have any information about possible unemployment insurance fraud call 888-598-2077.
