Unemployment Fraud Alert – Stay Vigilant

NYS DOL has been working around the clock to stop unemployment fraud and protect New Yorkers from identity theft. Still, fraudsters continue to resort to new methods to steal identifying information and collect benefits fraudulently.

You are encouraged to take all necessary precautions to protect your identity and help put a stop to unemployment fraud and identity theft. Please read through this email for important information on how to protect your identity and ensure you – and only you – receive the benefits you are entitled to.

Spot Fraud

Fraudsters are using phishing tactics to lure claimants into calling fraudulent phone numbers, submitting personal information to fraudulent websites, and downloading malicious content. Watch out for fraudsters posing as NYS DOL through fake emails, text messages, social media accounts, and websites. Keep these tips in mind:

• Text messages from NYS DOL will only come from the numbers 468311 or 22751. NYS DOL representatives will never reach out through text messages and NYS DOL will never text you requesting your driver license information, Social Security number, banking information, or NY.gov login information.
• On social media, look out for the blue “verified” check mark next to NYS DOL’s social media accounts. NYS DOL representatives will never reach out through social media and NYS DOL will never message you requesting your driver license information, Social Security number, banking information, or NY.gov login information.
• Lookalike websites are being created to fool New Yorkers into submitting their personal information. Before entering your information into any website, check that the web address at the top of the browser is a New York State address. Note: We also use ID.me and DocuSign for secure verification purposes.

Protect Your Information

If you clicked on a fraudulent link or gave your personal information to a fraudster, immediately take the following actions:

1. Change your NY.gov password
2. Change your PIN number
3. Update your banking information in your online account
4. Virus scan your device and delete suspicious emails and text messages

Fraudsters may also attempt to extort you. You should not pay fraudsters in cash or bitcoin in exchange for your unemployment benefits. Report any attempts at extortion to law enforcement and NYS DOL.

Verify Your Identity

NYS DOL has recently implemented ID.me, a secure online technology that will allow New Yorkers to safely submit their identification documentation and receive benefits faster, while stopping fraudsters from receiving benefits they are not entitled to. You will be notified if you are required to submit your documentation via ID.me. For more information, visit on.ny.gov/idmeguide1.

Visit NYS DOL’s fraud resource [dol.ny.gov/report-fraud] for more information on how to spot and report fraud.

Stay vigilant, and please share with your friends, family and network.