Fake unemployment claims tripled since start of pandemic, TWC says Texans who had their identity stolen through fake unemployment claims are finding themselves with nowhere to turn. TERRELL, Texas - Texans who had their identity stolen through fake unemployment claims are finding themselves with nowhere to turn. The Texas Workforce Commission says the number of fake claims has tripled since the pandemic began. Victims are finding it harder to clear things up because the agency is swamped. Many victims of unemployment fraud are worried about being held responsible for taxes on the money paid out in their name since TWC is backlogged and hasn't sent out corrected forms to the IRS.