The U.S. Department of Labor is introducing new tools to help state agencies detect, prevent and recover improper unemployment insurance payments while fighting UI fraud.

The "Fraud Tips and Leads Gateway" is designed to provide the public with a means to report fraud and help states act quickly to investigate tips and leads as well as prosecute fraudulent actions. The DOL is also publishing materials, which it believes to be consumer friendly, addressing the most common mistakes that claimants make and what employers can do to circumvent the negative tax implications of improper payments. The DOL is also partnering with states and through the work force system to exhibit these materials in public areas and post them online.

"Reducing improper unemployment insurance payments is crucial to maintaining the integrity of this vital lifeline for millions of American families, and we each have a role to play," says Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Too many people don't know their responsibilities under the program, and too many businesses don't know what's at stake for them, especially the tax implications. The tools announced today will help educate consumers and businesses and ultimately improve the UI system."