Multitude of unemployment claims now unfrozen, as a result of fraud investigation

Over the past few days, the Department of Labor and Training was able to safely unfreeze a multitude of claims that were held as part of the ongoing fraud investigation.

The DLT would not provide a specific number, but ABC6 News reported earlier this week that thousands of Rhode Islanders had their accounts frozen and were not getting payments, as part of this investigation.

“These claims had been frozen in response to reports of imposter fraud that threatened both benefit recipients and Rhode Island’s UI trust fund in the wake of COVID-19,” Angelika Pellegrino, Chief Public Affairs Officer, said.

As part of the ongoing investigation by law enforcement, the DLT  will employ intensified anti-fraud measures.

“Our job is to get Rhode Islanders the help they need and protect program integrity, and we continue to work relentlessly to achieve both goals,” Pellegrino said in a statement.