Right now, the most prevalent scam has been filing for unemployment benefits in your name, USBank Relia card, and now you might be receiving a 1099 for the unemployment benefits you have not requested nor received.
The Unemployment Benefits scam has resulted in $6.5 million in Colorado fraudulent claims, but the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) estimates these fraud protocol flags have saved about $7 billion in false claims. They have started a program called ID.me to help protect legitimate claims. Please note that any email correspondence from a government agency that you receive should end in .gov. If not, it’s not legit.
Scammers are now using text messaging (SMISHING) to get you to click on their link for an important notice from CDLE, so beware and don’t click on it. We should be prepared as a new wave of false applications will be coming through the latest stimulus bill.
Email scams are hot right now. Remember that these scammers can copy a logo of reputable business and use it in their scam. Scammers use Apple, Geek Squad, Best Buy, Amazon, and many other company logos and telling you to click on a link or get back with them for a purchase.
Phone calls: Our best advice is not to answer a call unless you are positive you know the person – let it go to voicemail. Never push any numbers (they say – press ## to be taken off the list) and don’t call them back. Nomorobo.com is great for reducing robo calls on your landline (and it’s free). You can also get it on your cell phone, but they do charge for that. These are usually tell-tale hints, so visit our website at www.larimer.org/information/frauds-scams for more examples of these scams. Article courtesy of Larimer Sheriff’s Office.