(Des Moines, IA) -- Iowa Workforce Development is warning about a phony website that mirrors IWD's jobless claims portal. IWD says it's an attempt to collect personal information.
Those applying for unemployment insurance benefits should only file an application through the official IWD website: www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov Any other variation of this link is not an official IWD website.
IWD says the agency has not suffered any data breaches, but warns claimants to protect their identity and information, including sign on credentials and passwords.
IWD urges Iowans to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity related to unemployment claims. Indicators of fraudulent activity can include:
- A text message or mailing from IWD notifying you of a claim in your name when you have not filed an unemployment insurance claim.
- Any notification that contains information appearing from IWD asking you to log in or provides you a different website than the official IWD website.
- A 1099-G from IWD stating you have income from unemployment insurance when you have not filed for or received unemployment insurance during the last calendar year.
- A fact-finding call or notice from IWD when you have not filed a claim for unemployment insurance.
- Your employer notifying you of a notice they received that an unemployment claim was filed.
- Anything you may suspect as fraudulent banking activity.
If you suspect fraudulent activity, contact IWD immediately by one of the following:
- Email: UIfraud@iwd.iowa.gov
- Phone number: 1-866-239-0843
- Web form: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/report-potential-unemployment-claimant-fraud
Customers can also visit this website if they believe they have been a victim of identity theft: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/if-you-believe-you-have-been-victim-fraud-or-id-theft Additional information is available online from the United States Department of Labor here: http://www.dol.gov/fraud
###