Business: Phishing scheme targets unemployment benefits, PII

Have you or one of your employees received a shocking text message from your state workforce agency about unemployment insurance benefits? You are not alone. Identity thieves are targeting millions of people across the country, sending fraudulent text messages designed to steal personal information, unemployment benefits or both.

Phishing text messages attempt to trick recipients into clicking on links to “make necessary corrections” to their Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims, “verify” their personal information, or “reactivate” their UI benefit accounts. The link will take you to a fake state workforce agency website that looks very real. There, you’ll be asked to enter your website credentials and personal information, such as your Social Security number. Fraudsters can use this information to file fraudulent claims for unemployment insurance benefits or conduct other identity theft.

Below are some examples of phishing text.

Protect yourself and your employees. Let your employees know that state agencies will not send text messages soliciting personal information. If you receive an unsolicited text message or email that appears to be from a state workforce agency, do not respond or click on any links.If you are unsure, please contact the workforce agency directly A directory of countries reporting unemployment identity theft is at the bottom of this page U.S. Department of Labor website.