Dear members,

The Department of Unemployment Assistance has recently sent letters to some members informing them that a fraudulent unemployment claim has been filed on their behalf. As part of a nationwide unemployment benefits fraud scheme, criminal enterprises have been using stolen personal information from earlier national data breaches to try to fraudulently file unemployment claims. The DUA has shut down these claims, and they are working to identify the valid claims so they can provide unemployment benefits to those who are eligible. 

Unfortunately, as an unintended consequence of this fraud scheme prevention measure, many unemployment claims that were legitimately filed by our members were also flagged as fraudulent, and the members’ accounts were frozen. This has led to many of our members not being able to access their unemployment account or receiving their unemployment benefits. We understand how stressful this situation is for our members, and are doing everything we can to advocate on your behalf. The MSCA has been able to get MTA to actively work withy us and otehr uunions in Massachusetts to find a swift resolution, so that our members can receive their unemployment benefits as soon as possible.

If your account has been frozen and you are not receiving your unemployment benefits, we encourage you to report your valid claim by phone to the DUA at 877-626-6800 during their hours Monday through Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm, or Saturday 8:00am – 12:00pm. Please also reach out by phone to the Office of Governor Charlie Baker (617-725-4005, Monday through Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm) and inform them of the challenging situation that the DUA unemployment fraud scheme has created for you. We know many of our members have reached out already, and your phone calls are making a difference.

In addition, please contract Irina Seceleanu, the MSCA’s Organizing and Unity Leader, with your name, email address and a telephone number so we can assist MTA with your case.

In solidarity,
Irina Seceleanu
MSCA Organizing and Unity Leader

CJ O’Donnell
MSCA President