Important Reminder: New York State Continues to Experience Fraudulent Unemployment Benefit Claims

Dear Faculty and Staff:

We write to you today to update you on the continued occurrence of fraudulent unemployment benefit claims filed on behalf of New York State residents. Many states across the country are reporting similar widespread unemployment fraud schemes, taking advantage of an increase in legitimate claims due to the pandemic.

Starting in February, the University experienced a rise in fraudulent unemployment benefit claims filed in the names of Syracuse University employees. Know that when this occurs, the University is identifying the fraudulent claim to New York State and working with affected employees. Syracuse University is also in contact with state and federal authorities.

In addition, our team has been communicating regularly with peers across a range of industries, including other colleges and universities throughout the state, who report that they are experiencing the same phenomenon. The University has also engaged leading global cybersecurity experts, who confirm the number of fraudulent claims we are receiving is similar to other organizations.

Our peers have indicated that they are unaware of any breach to their systems related to these fraudulent claims. Based on extensive testing of our own systems, we have no evidence that this comes from a data breach at Syracuse University. To verify this is the case, Syracuse University has engaged EY’s cybersecurity services to assess whether there are any indicators of compromise in our systems. Furthermore, as other organizations have done in response to this wave of fraud, to provide peace of mind to our community, Syracuse University will offer as an additional benefit to all faculty and benefits-eligible staff one year of identity theft protection services, free of charge. Information on how to register will be shared later this week.

If you believe that a fraudulent claim has been filed in your name, please visit the Office of Human Resources website for step-by-step guidance on reporting fraud and protecting yourself. Any additional questions or concerns can be directed to HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 or by emailing hrservice@syr.edu.

Sincerely,

Andrew R. Gordon
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer

Steve Bennett
Senior Vice President for Academic Operations and International Programs and Chief of Staff to the Provost