A Michigan fire chief who worked during the government shutdown says the state’s unemployment insurance agency just sent him a bill for $7,000, despite the fact that he never filed for benefits.
“And I’ve heard zero from the unemployment agency. No one has contacted me through phone or mail,” said Ronald Wise, fire chief for South Haven Area Emergency Services.
He’s worked the entire time during the pandemic.
“We’re working all these extra hours and someone’s trying to claim unemployment under my name,” he said.
At the end of May his HR department got an inquiry from the state about an unemployment claim after someone fraudulently signed up using his information.
“And the HR department knew I was still working full time,” said Wise, “said that I’m working full time and that’s not a possible claim so we’re denying it.”