Scam Targets Hoosiers’ Unemployment Benefits

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A texting scam targeting out-of-work Hoosiers has hijacked more than $120,000 in Indiana unemployment benefits according a new FBI alert.

Investigators say beware of text messages claiming to be from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. The link included in those texts can allow scanners to access the personal information of people who have filed for benefits.

“The Department of Workforce Development will never send a text message to verify eligibility for unemployment benefits,” the alert states. “Unsolicited text messages and emails containing links can be an attempt to obtain personally identifiable information.”

This scam is an example of “phishing” in which texts and emails appear to be from legitimate sources and link to pages designed to resemble the official pages. Investigators say this scam has happened in multiple states since the beginning of the year.  It was first reported in Indiana in April.

DWD has provided this resource page for Hoosiers with concerns about whether communications they have received are actually from the department.

To report fraud, visit ic3.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Learn more about phishing scams.