FBI issues warning about unemployment benefits scam

SOUTH BEND, Ind. ---The FBI has issued a warning for Hoosiers about a scam to steal unemployment benefits. More than $120,000 has been stolen since April.

The scammers send a text to victims claiming to be from the Department of Workforce Development with a link to update information for unemployment benefits. The link either installs malware on your device or sends you to a website asking for personal information that is then stolen and used to sign up for unemployment benefits.

Officials warn not to engage with the text at all to prevent having your phone number used for future scamming attempts. Instead, individuals are encouraged to screenshot the text, and then contact law enforcement and Scam Alert before deleting the text and blocking the number. 

Click here to access Scam Alert's website.