UIA: Follow these 10 tips to protect personal information online

Cybersecurity Awareness Month highlights anti-fraud practices

During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) offers common-sense tips to workers and employers so they can protect their personal information from thieves and scammers.

"We encourage all workers and employers to be aware of any attempts to steal personal identifying information that allows access to their accounts. There are a number of bad actors out there who would look for an opportunity to strike," said Jason Palmer, director of UIA. "Our agency has processes in place to catch thieves posing as workers or employers trying to access account information. Be vigilant and know how to spot scammers who are after your money."

Here are 10 DOs and DON'Ts to help protect personal information:

1. DO regularly change passwords for Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) and MiLOGIN accounts. Use a strong combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numerals, and special characters.
2. DON'T click on links in random emails that appear to be from UIA asking you for a username and log-in.
3. DO verify with UIA if you receive an email that purports to be from the agency.
4. DON'T respond to random texts claiming to be from UIA and asking for information or providing a link to click. UIA never randomly texts claimants or employers. Do not respond and delete the text.
5. DO verify banking information every time you certify for benefits. If the bank on the account is an online banking app or a bank that does not have branches in Michigan, it could mean someone has illicit access to your MiWAM account.
6. DON'T share any personal information if you receive a random call claiming to be from UIA.
7. DO closely monitor bank statements for any suspicious transactions or withdrawals.
8. DON'T put off installing the latest security updates on phones and laptops.
9. DO look for and delete any phone apps you did not download.
10. DON'T ignore unusual phone activity or added charges on your bill. If data usage goes up or your battery drains quickly it could be a sign someone is accessing your phone.

Find information and resources about fighting fraud at UIA's website at Michigan.gov/UIA.

If you believe you are the victim of fraud or identity theft, you can report it through your MiWAM account or call UIA's Customer Service hotline at 1-866-500-0017.

UIA aggressively fights fraud

UIA provides robust anti-fraud protection and monitoring of claims filed in MiWAM, which claimants use to apply for benefits and employers use to pay taxes that support the unemployment program. UIA has a proprietary Fraud Manager program that analyzes claims at filing and certification, detecting irregularities or other suspicious patterns on claims.

In addition, UIA collaborates closely with Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB), the Michigan Security Operations Center, the U.S. Department of Labor (U.S. DOL) and the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) to identify criminal activity. It also partners with the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to bring criminals to justice. Since March 2020, 165 people have been charged with unemployment fraud, 125 convicted, and 108 sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution.

UIA's helpful What is UI Fraud webpage lists various types of fraud, includes links to factsheets and forms, and information about reporting identity theft and spotting scams. UIA's YouTube channel includes videos about how to fight fraud.

Helpful resources for workers and employers

Key to UIA's commitment to fight fraud is installing a new computer system, known as MiUI, that will include robust anti-fraud processes to build on the agency's current aggressive practices. Expected to be fully operational in summer of 2026, the new system is a cornerstone of transforming the UIA into a national model for fast, fair, and fraud-free service. UIA also offers innovative resources for workers and employers, including:

• The UIA Claimant Roadmap, which is an easy-to-follow, user-friendly six-step guide to applying for and understanding unemployment benefits. The roadmap can be accessed at Michigan.gov/UIAClaimantRoadmap.
• A new artificial intelligence-powered chatbot at Michigan.gov/UIA for quick and accurate answers whether using either a desktop or mobile device.
• Online Coaching Sessions led by UIA staff on topics such as repaying overpaid benefits, filing a first-time claim, understanding a Monetary Determination letter, and the protest and appeals process. The First-time Filer Coaching Session is also available in Spanish.
• A comprehensive list of resources for federal workers who have been furloughed or terminated at Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp.
• The UIA Economic Dashboard, which tracks local and statewide trends in unemployment insurance at Michigan.gov/UIAEconomicDashboard.
• The innovative Employer Help Center, found at Michigan.gov/UIAEmployerHelpCenter. The plain language guide answers employers' questions on unemployment tax and claim issues and UIA programs.
• The Advocacy Program, which provides no-cost legal advice to workers and employers who appeal UIA determinations.
• The UIA Modernization Workgroup, consisting of labor, business, and jobless advocates, to advise the UIA on significant improvements in how it can better serve Michigan workers and employers, including anti-fraud practices.

Need help with a claim or have questions?

Search online: FAQs, toolkits, and resources at Michigan.gov/UIA. Videos on YouTube.

Ask online: UIA's chatbot at Michigan.gov/UIA can answer many questions.

Chat with us: Available through MiWAM Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Meet with us: Schedule an in-person, phone, or virtual appointment up to 14 days in advance at Michigan.gov/UIA.

Contact us: 1-866-500-0017, Monday through Friday. TTY service at 1-866-366-0004.