As unemployment fraud spreads, Washington state recovers $300M

StateScoop: As a wave of unemployment fraud slows the ability of states to deliver funds to legitimate applicants, Washington state officials said Thursday that recent tweaks to the unemployment benefits system are helping the state reclaim stolen money and process legitimate claims faster.

The Washington Employment Security Department announced Thursday it recovered $300 million in funds fraudulently diverted by scammers, while many jobless workers affected by business closures during the COVID-19 pandemic wait for assistance.

Read article

Share