SC Unemployment Agency wants Tougher Fraud Penalty

South Carolina’s jobs agency is asking legislators to approve tougher penalties on those who intentionally commit fraud to get their jobless benefits. Right now, an employee who defrauds the state Department of Employment and Workforce is required to pay back the amount they were overpaid, along with possible criminal fines up to $100. However, agency officials on Wednesday requested that lawmakers tack a 25% penalty on top of that. The agency would use the additional money to upgrade its technology as a way to fight fraud.