Independent guide and data. Not a government website. Reporting fraud to the government is always free.

Virginia unemployment insurance fraud cases

Every Justice Department announcement of unemployment insurance fraud prosecuted in Virginia since January 20, 2025.

All announcements

DateAnnouncementStageAmount
2026-09-24Roanoke Woman Indicted for COVID Fraud Scheme - Case Advances Fraud Division CrackdownCharged—
2026-08-28Pair Plead Guilty in CARES Act FraudPleaded guilty—
2026-06-09Mineral man sentenced to over four years in prison for COVID era unemployment insurance fraud schemeSentenced—
2026-05-08Newport News woman sentenced to over seven years in prison for COVID era unemployment insurance fraud schemeSentenced—
2026-03-04Sandston business owner pleads guilty to filing false tax returns and fraudulent pandemic relief applicationsPleaded guilty—
2025-12-18Richmond identity thief sentenced to over three years in prison for hundreds of fraudulent unemployment benefits claimsSentenced—
2025-11-13Final Defendant Sentenced in Federal Pandemic Fraud Unemployment Benefits SchemeSentenced$287K
2025-05-22Final Defendant Pleads Guilty in Federal Pandemic Fraud Unemployment Benefits SchemePleaded guilty$287K
2025-04-28Leader of Federal Pandemic Fraud Unemployment Scheme SentencedSentenced$120K
2025-04-17Norfolk man sentenced to over five years in prison for using other people's identities to defraud COVID-19 pandemic relief programsSentenced—
2025-04-07Two More Sentenced in Federal Pandemic Fraud Unemployment Benefit SchemeSentenced$150K
2025-03-12Hampton man sentenced to over nine years in prison for defrauding Virginia Medicaid and Virginia UnemploymentSentenced$1M
2025-03-07Five More Sentenced in Federal Pandemic Fraud Unemployment Benefit SchemeSentenced$150K
2025-02-11Six Sentenced in Federal Fraud Pandemic Unemployment Benefit SchemeSentenced$29K

Source: U.S. Department of Justice press releases. Amounts should not be added: one case can appear at several stages. Charged cases are allegations.

Where to report unemployment insurance fraud in Virginia

Unemployment insurance fraud is covered by the federal WHIP program: a tip that leads to criminal charges can earn $10,000–$30,000. More on reporting unemployment insurance fraud, all fraud cases and reward laws in Virginia, and Unemployment cases in every state.

Frequently asked questions

How many Unemployment fraud cases has the DOJ announced in Virginia?

14 announcements since January 20, 2025, or 6.6% of all Unemployment announcements in our database. Each press release is counted separately, so one case can appear at charge, plea and sentencing.

How do I report unemployment insurance fraud in Virginia?

Virginia Employment Commission – Reporting Unemployment Insurance Fraud; Department of Labor OIG hotline; America.gov/fraud (WHIP reward portal). To be eligible for a federal WHIP award, submit the tip in writing at America.gov/fraud.

Sources

  1. U.S. Department of Justice press releases (justice.gov/news)
  2. DOL OIG hotline
  3. DOJ: National Fraud Enforcement Division Criminal Tip Rewards Pilot Program, terms and conditions (updated Oct. 20, 2026)