The state is working to stop unemployment fraud. Illinois Department of Employment Security spokesperson Greg Rivara says they are now better able to identify those who are working but still claiming jobless benefits.
Those caught are asked to pay back the money and if they don't he says their wages can be garnished.
Unemployment insurance benefits are funded through business contributions. State officials say preventing fraud and recovering improper payments protects taxpayer dollars and reduces the cost of doing business, which creates a climate more conducive to hiring.
Rivara says they have already received more than one million dollars from people who were collecting unemployment but shouldn't have been.
