Unemployment scams

Warning signs of unemployment scams

Someone may be trying to commit an unemployment scam against you if you did not apply for unemployment benefits, but you received:

• A notice from your state's unemployment office
• A notice from your former employer about an unemployment benefits application that you did not apply for
• A direct deposit from your state's unemployment office that you did not expect to receive
• A call from someone claiming to be from your state unemployment office saying money was deposited into your account by mistake

If you did apply for unemployment benefits, you may be affected by an unemployment scam if:

• The application you filled out online was not really your state's official unemployment insurance website 
• You were approved for unemployment insurance payments but have not received them

How to report an unemployment scam

Report the scam to:

• Your former employer
• Your state unemployment insurance program

Search for your state unemployment insurance program.

How to protect yourself

• Do not share personal information like your bank account number, Social Security number, or date of birth.

• Make sure you are using the actual website or phone number for your state's official unemployment benefits agency. 
• Request and review your credit report regularly.