Question Period Note: RECENT MEDIA REPORT ON IDENTITY FRAUD CASES AFFECTING EI

Recently, some Canadians have reported Service Canada failed to inform those victims of identity fraud linked to Employment Insurance benefits.

• Service Canada takes the integrity of its programs very seriously.

• We know that fraudsters sometimes use information following an identity theft to file fraudulent claims under our benefit programs.

• The vast majority of EI claims are paid properly. However, some claimants may experience delays or interruptions in their benefits if they were the victims of fraud.

• Measures are in place to support clients on a priority basis when their benefits have been affected by identity theft.

• We leverage our analytics and intelligence capabilities to disrupt, detect and prevent fraud. 

We know that fraudsters sometimes use information following an identity theft to file fraudulent claims under our benefit programs. We use data analytics and intelligence tools to counter this type of fraud. Measures are also in place to support clients on a priority basis when their benefits have been affected.
The Department recognizes the difficulties of any delay in benefit payments may cause to claimants and their families. Claimants must contact Service Canada and provide additional information to continue to receive their benefits. We work closely with claimants to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.
For the moment, we prioritize urgent cases, situations where citizens have no income. Claimants will not lose their benefits due to such delay.

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