FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :     Wednesday, October 15, 2014
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605)773-3215   

 
Attorney General Jackley Warns of Unemployment Benefits Scam Targeting the State of South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D –   Attorney General Marty Jackley warns employers and employees to be cautious of an unemployment insurance benefit scam targeting South Dakota.

The scenario begins with a scammer filing online for unemployment benefits with the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR). The scam artist is filing these claims with accurate personal identifying information including correct name, social security number and date of birth.

 It is unknown at this time how the personal identifying information necessary to file the online benefits claims is being obtained. The information is not gained from a breach in the unemployment system. The Division of Criminal Investigation is working directly with DLR and other state and federal authorities in this investigation. The State of South Dakota is just one of several states that have been a target of this scam.

DLR has identified multiple victims, but confirms that none of these fictitious claims have been paid.  All potential victims are being contacted by the Division of Criminal Investigation.
South Dakota’s unemployment system has not been compromised.

 Employers receive notice by mail from the DLR when a benefit is filed against their account. DLR asks employers to review all unemployment benefit notices to ensure no claims are from current employees. Report any suspicious activity to the UI Fraud Unit at 605-626-7649 or unemploymentfraud@state.sd.us.

If you have any additional questions regarding identity theft and what steps you should take to protect your personal information contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 800-300-1986 or consumerhelp@state.sd.us.

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