Police Warn Residents About National Unemployment Scam

LONG ISLAND, NY — Police are warning residents about a nationwide unemployment insurance scam that has impacted people on Long Island.

According to Southampton Town Police, false unemployment claims have been filed in employees’ names "in the hope of receiving unemployment payments from the state."

The employees are not part of the scheme and, in some cases, may never know that their names have been used fraudulently, police said.

Some residents have reported receiving unemployment benefits that they did not apply for, police said.

Police said those who receive notification that an unauthorized unemployment application has been filed in their names should alert authorities.

Here's what to do if you think you may have been targeted:

- Notify your payroll representative.

- Complete the online reporting form.

- Call your local police department to report the identity theft.

Even after the fraud has been reported to the New York State Department of Labor, correspondence may still arrive and might even include a bank card or an electronic benefits transfer card, police said.

Investigators believe that those perpetrating the scam are using data from breaches in years' past to obtain names, Social Security numbers, and other information, police said.

Investigators do not believe that the employees whose names were used fraudulently are at
any risk of having their own money stolen; however, those who receive notification that unemployment benefits have been filed in their names may want to take some
additional steps to protect themselves against identity theft, police said.

The Federal Trade Commission has offered recommendations on how to protect personal information here.

Tips on what to do to keep from being targeted, according to police:

- Do not provide any personal information over the phone, such as Social Security number, birthdate, or maiden names

- Do not provide bank information

- Do not provide credit card information over the phone

- Check your free credit report once a year

If you have been targeted, file a police report and provide documentation to the officer, authorities said.