Five People Arrested, Accused Of Stealing Unemployment Benefits

For everyone who has fraudulently collected unemployment benefits from the state of Louisiana, the attorney general wants you to know he's coming for you. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry announced five people have been arrested for allegedly stealing unemployment benefits. According to reports, three of the five suspects are accused of using someone else's name and info to access the funds. Landry says since March of this year, more than $300K has been stolen by fraudulent claims on state benefits.

Thousands of Louisianans have lost their jobs because of the pandemic, and Landry said fraudsters are looking to cash in. However, the attorney general promised that not only are they paying attention, but he also warned they will find everyone who has made a fraudulent unemployment benefit claim. Landry told KPLC the state's labor department reported people have tried to rob the system of some $300 million.

The public health crisis and record unemployment have led to an abundance of benefits, and Landry says that's why some people are trying to take advantage. Yet, he promised the Louisiana Department of Justice isn't asleep and that he plans to prosecute those knowingly committing fraud to the fullest extent of the law. For more info on who was arrested, click here.

If you know of anyone fraudulently collecting money from the LA Unemployment Trust Fund call, 866-720-5721 or report the crime online.