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Cell Phone Scams and Unauthorized Web Sites
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Updated 01/14/2010: Several states are reporting scams involving voice or text messages sent to unemployment applicants’ phones. These messages tell applicants their unemployment account has been de-activated or suspended and to reactivate by calling a phone number that is provided. When the number is called, the applicant is asked to enter or provide confidential account information, including debit card numbers and personal identification numbers (PIN). The scammers are then able to access the debit card account and steal funds.
There has been no breach in the security of Minnesota unemployment insurance data. Neither the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance nor U.S.Bank who issues the unemployment debit card (ReliaCard Visa) contact applicants through text messaging. If you receive a communication that appears to be asking for this kind of information, do not respond. Immediately call customer service at 866-276-5114. However, this is a good opportunity to remind applicants:
- Always keep your unemployment debit card (ReliaCard) safe and do not share your debit card PIN with anyone.
- Unemployment Insurance or U.S. Bank staff will never ask you for your ReliaCard PIN or ReliaCard account number via e-mail, phone or text message.
There are Web sites charging a fee for information about unemployment information and/or applying for benefits. Information about unemployment insurance benefits and completing an application for benefits are free services through the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Web site www.uimn.org
Be wary of any e-mail requesting you to log in to an unauthorized Web site. If the e-mail requires log in to an unauthorized Web site, it is not a legitimate request.
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