US Government Accountability Office pegs pandemic unemployment fraud at $135 billion

As much as $135 billion in fraudulent COVID-19 pandemic unemployment insurance claims were likely paid out, according to a report released Tuesday by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

That would amount to 15% of total unemployment benefits distributed during the pandemic. It is also an increase from another $60 billion estimate in January.

However, the Department of Labor says the GAO is likely overestimating the actual amount of fraud.