Types of Unemployment Scams

Unemployment debit card scams involve scammers who target unemployment recipients to get their unemployment debit card number and PIN code so they can steal their unemployment benefits. Here's what to do if you are asked for your debit card information, as well as what to do if you have given it out.

With this type of scam, scammers send email messages attempting to get unemployment debit card information or personal information from unemployed workers so they can steal their unemployment benefits or use it for identity theft. Here's more information on email unemployment scams and what to watch out for.

One type of unemployment scam involves websites that offer to file for unemployment benefits or extended unemployment benefits for you for a fee. Scam unemployment websites say you can file an unemployment claim on the website for a fee to expedite or assist you in applying for basic unemployment or extended unemployment benefits.

If you get a phone call asking for your unemployment debit card information or other personal information regarding your unemployment claim, it's a scam. Unemployment phone call scams involve scammers targeting unemployment recipients to steal their benefits and/or steal their personal information by calling or texting to get debit card or social security numbers and other information.

Another common unemployment scams involves websites that offer to file for unemployment benefits or extended unemployment benefits for you. It is important to know that you are the only person who can apply online for unemployment benefits and you have to file directly on your state unemployment office website. Third parties cannot file for unemployment benefits for you.

Here are scams that have been reported on State Unemployment Websites and Department of Labor Websites to warn beneficiaries of unemployment about scams that say they will help them apply for unemployment benefits, websites that charge for filing an unemployment claim or attempt to collect personal information from unemployed individuals online or via cell phone or email.

Have you been scammed or almost scammed? Here's information on how to report a scam, including where and how to report an unemployment scam. Reporting a scam is a valuable public service to other readers, many of whom say they were alerted to a scam by googling a phrase or the URL, then finding a report about the scam online.

• Unemployment Scam Reports from About.com Readers