DES PLAINES – To comfort individuals who may be concerned about identity theft after recent reports of unemployment fraud, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) assures Illinoisans the Illinois Department of Employment Security is aggressively cracking down on fraudsters filing false claims and encourages victims to file a report.

“This problem isn’t just affecting a few people—nationwide, scammers are using the uncertainty of the pandemic to take advantage of vulnerable people,” said Murphy. “If you believe you’ve been the victim of fraud, report it immediately. With your help, we can hold these scammers accountable.”

Last week, reports surfaced of individuals receiving KeyBank debit cards and unemployment letters in the mail, despite never having applied for benefits. According to IDES, people who received these erroneous mailings may be targets of fraud.

After receiving these reports, IDES uncovered and launched an investigation into a nationwide fraud scheme targeting applicants to the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. IDES said ambiguous federal guidelines—developed hastily to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic—leave PUA claimants open to attack. IDES maintains this scheme is not connected to the PUA program access issue experienced in May.

A dedicated team of staffers is now working directly with individuals whose identities are being used or have possibly been stolen. The department is also working with local and federal law enforcement authorities to pursue and prosecute those committing fraud.

Individuals who have received debit cards in the mail without applying for benefits should call IDES immediately at 1-800-814-0513 to report identity theft. Do not activate the debit card.

Victims of fraud are also encouraged to check their credit reports for possible suspicious activity, post a fraud alert and visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website for helpful tips on recognizing and reporting identity theft.

DES PLAINES – In response to federal court documents that implicate an unnamed Illinois official in a bribery scheme involving electric utility company ComEd, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) has issued the following statement:

“The court documents filed Friday include troubling allegations of corruption within our state government. These crimes are a breach of the public’s trust, and they cannot be tolerated.

“Our elected officials should be held to a higher ethical standard, and as such, I urge a thorough federal investigation of these wrongdoings.

“But whether or not the investigation ends with an indictment, I will continue to push for significant reforms to eradicate greed in all levels of government, hold bad actors accountable, and show the public we can and will do better.”

DES PLAINES – The deadline for the federal Paycheck Protection Program has been extended to Aug. 8, and State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) urges business owners to act quickly to take advantage of available assistance.

“The past few months have put a strain on our economy, down to the local level. Our business community needs help, and fast,” said Murphy. “These forgivable loans could give our small business owners some much-needed breathing room.”

The Federal Treasury Department and the U.S. Small Business Administration have extended the application deadline for the program, which offers up to $10 million in loans to eligible businesses. Funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and may be used for payroll costs, rent, utilities or interest on mortgages. If used as intended, the loans don’t have to be repaid.

More than 27,000 Illinois businesses have already taken advantage of the loans, saving an estimated 1.36 million jobs, according to the Small Business Administration.

Participating lenders can be found on the Small Business Administration’s website.

Illinois’ network of Small Business Development Centers, including Harper College in Palatine, can help business owners and managers navigate assistance programs like PPP. To schedule an appointment with an advisor, register for a workshop or contact the help desk, visit their website.

“If your business is suffering from pandemic-related losses, there’s still time to apply for assistance,” said Murphy. “I encourage the many valuable small businesses in our region to take advantage of available resources and submit an application now.”

DES PLAINES – To connect with residents and keep the community up to date on important legislative issues, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) will host a virtual town hall meeting via Zoom on July 22 at 7 p.m.

“With social distancing requirements in place, we’re getting creative with outreach,” said Murphy. “At this virtual town hall, residents will be able to learn more about important issues in our district, as well as voice their questions and concerns, without putting their health and safety at risk.”

Murphy plans to discuss a wide range of topics affecting the 28th District, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the state’s expansion of the vote-by-mail system and other new legislation passed during the shortened legislative session this spring.

Des Plaines Public Library is co-hosting the event. Murphy will be joined by representatives from the Illinois Dept. of Insurance and Get Covered Illinois, who will be on hand to answer constituents’ questions about health insurance coverage and Special Enrollment Periods for the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.

“There is so much uncertainty in all aspects of our lives right now,” said Murphy. “I hope to provide some answers on important topics impacting people’s day-to-day lives, including aid programs, unemployment and health insurance.”

The event is free, but registration is required. Register here to receive a link to the Zoom meeting. With questions about the event, contact Murphy’s office at 817-718-1110 or www.senatorlauramurphy.com/contact-us.