NewsCrime Watch

Actions

State warns about text scam targeting unemployment recipients

DLI warns about unemployment text scam
Posted at 5:00 PM, Jan 23, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-23 19:00:34-05

HELENA — The Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) is warning Montanans about a text scam fraudulently claiming to be with Unemployment Insurance (UI).

At this time, DLI believes that these scammers are sending fraudulent text messages to phone numbers with a 406 area code in the hopes that one is a current unemployment claimant. The text messages attempt to persuade the recipients to click on a link. People are directed not to click the link as it may install malware on their devices.

DLI says when they do send links via text they will always end in a “mt.gov” web address.

The State encourages those who believe they may be a victim of unemployment fraud to immediately report it online or call the unemployment insurance fraud hotline at 406-444-0072.

DLI says Unemployment Insurance programs nationwide have seen an uptick in attempts by criminals to defraud programs and secure benefits. DLI is continuously working to combat these illegal schemes.