Idemia introduces biometric anti-fraud solution for Oklahoma unemployment assistance

Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) announced this week the launch of new biometric Identity Proofing and Verification solution VerifyOK. The new solution is based on a digital identity verification tool built by Idemia, with the purpose of mitigating fraud within unemployment claims. This is a response to high numbers of fraudulent claims during the COVID-19 pandemic.

VerifyOK’s verification software works directly with the existing record system for claims, and will make processing unemployment benefits faster and more secure. It will also provide guidance on how to take a usable photo of an ID and a selfie for matching with facial recognition. Idemia’s digital identity verification tool works by validating an identification document against authoritative government data, such as a state driver’s license and the system will automatically verify the credentials against the DMV record.

“Unemployment fraud is at an all-time high, and due to the pandemic, state systems are stressed with high volumes of applicants,” says Matt Thompson, SVP of Identity Solutions at Idemia. “With our ID&V and Mobile ID solutions, we are empowering states to process claims more efficiently and distribute benefits faster while reducing fraud. Applicants can complete transactions online, reducing the need for in-person office visits or manual processing of identity documents.”

Applicants for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) currently need to recertify their claims every 90 days, however with the VerifyOK service, applicants (once verified) can continue through the unemployment claim process and complete transactions online, which reduces the need for manual processing of identity documents. Any citizen with a state-issued driver’s license, identification card or U.S. passport can use the online system. The service has already been used by more than 70,000 applicants.

Via the verification process, the technology will minimise fraudulent claims, ensuring that applicants are genuine, according to the announcement. Starting in 2021, VerifyOK will be required for all unemployment claims.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  digital identity  |  facial recognition  |  fraud prevention  |  government services  |  IDEMIA  |  identity document  |  identity verification