Secret Service warns of unemployment fraud and scams

Across the U.S., the Secret Service has received multiple reports of scammers applying for and receiving unemployment benefits, using the Social Security numbers and personally identifiable information of identity theft victims.

The Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment will be mailing letters to individuals that have a Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claim filed under their Social Security number. In addition, paper checks will be issued as an added precaution.

If you receive correspondence that you filed an unemployment claim or if you receive an unemployment payment when you did not file a claim for benefits:

• Do not cash the check or use the funds.
• File a police report with the municipality you reside in.
• Report the identity theft to the Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment Compensation.
• Return the check or funds to the Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment Compensation.
• Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission.

To protect yourself against unemployment scams:

• Never give out your personal information over email, text message or social media.
• Ignore requests asking you to wire money or pay a fee to complete your application.
• Do not use a third-party to apply for your benefits.

Additional information is available on the Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment Compensation website.

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