With an increase in unemployment comes a natural increase in unemployment fraud. In Florida, making false statements to obtain unemployment (also called reemployment assistance) constitutes fraud. Typically, in order to obtain unemployment benefits you must meet very specific criteria — for example, you must have been terminated through no fault of your own, must prove that you are currently actively searching for work, and have earned a specific amount during the previous calendar year.
However, with the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed by Congress and signed into law on March 27, 2020, many of the traditional requirements for unemployment assistance have been waived. With these changes and the influx of new claims, unemployment fraud has become a widespread issue. Unfortunately, making an error or omission can result in charges of fraud no matter how well-intentioned you may be, which is why it is important to speak with a fraud defense lawyer in Tampa even if you know you are not guilty but have been charged with unemployment fraud.