Unemployment Debit Card Scam Warning From Palatine Police

PALATINE, IL — The Palatine Police Department said Friday they've received several complaints from residents who reported being sent a debit card for unemployment benefits although they never filed an unemployment claim, or requested a card. The debit cards, which have the Illinois insignia, are used to load unemployment benefit payments after a claim has been approved, the police department said in a news release. The Illinois Department of Employment Security oversees the unemployment compensation program.

If you or a family member received a letter and debit card (not requested) from the Illinois Department of Employment Security, you're asked to contact the Palatine Police Department by calling 911, as you may be the target of fraud. A report will be generated and the information will be forwarded to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, police said. In addition, anyone who received a debit card is encouraged to contact the Illinois Department of Employment Security at 800-814-0513.

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Police advise that you do not provide personal information to anyone, including Social Security numbers or any type of banking information when looking into why you received the debit card.