Someone is trying to use the state agency which handles unemployment benefits in what’s known as a phising scam.
Iowa Workforce Development spokesperson, Courtney Greene, says it involves an email sent to people who have filed for unemployment benefits. The email tells the individual they have completed the first step of filing and now need to click on the link in the email to continue the process.
“We have been told not to click on that link, because it can infect your computer with malicious malware. Even clicking on the unsubscribe button at the end of the email can really put your computer at risk,” Greene says. “Right now if people did receive this email, we are asking them to just delete it. and if for some reason they did click on it — they need to reach out to their credit card companies, or the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and determine what they need to do in terms of the next step.”
She says the request for your personal information is a tip off that the email is a scam. “IWD does not request sensitive account information through email communication. Individuals filing for unemployment insurance benefits will receive pertinent information regarding their account through the U.S. Postal Service. Or, if they call in, they can talk to a customer service representative,” Greene says.
The email says the longer you wait, the longer it may take you to get unemployment benefits. Greene says there are secure ways to communicate with the agency. “Iowa Workforce Development does have claims inbox where questions are answered. But our employees will never ask for Social Security numbers, date of birth, or credit card information via email,” according to Greene. She says they are trying to get out the word before anyone falls for the scam.
“So far we do not know of any Iowans who have been taken advantage of. Somebody did receive the email and forwarded it to a manager at one of our regional offices — who made our I-T department aware — which is how we found out about this,” Greene says.
Here is the email sent to IWD customers:
Sender: “Unemployment Assist” <info@unemployment-assist.com>
Subject: Verification Required: 2nd RequestThis is our 2nd email is to inform you that we have received your initial request for Unemployment Assistance.
Our system indicated that you did not complete step 2, until you do, we will not be able to offer you any further assistance. You can either cancel your request, and we will delete your information, or you can go back to the registration form to continue.
To go back to the registration form, click below:
=> Click here to continue your unemployment registrationPlease understand that your chances of getting denied go up the longer you wait to submit your official application.
Don’t miss any of your benefit payments. Click the link below:
=> Click here for the unemployment registration formSupport Team
Employment Advisory Department
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