GOSHEN – There is a new scam out there and its tentacles are reaching into the Hudson Valley. Residents have received fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits with local residents’ names and social security numbers.
The Orange County District Attorney’s office said there has been a recent uptick in that type of fraud. Individuals who are victims of this latest scam should notify their employer and the State Labor Department’s Fraud Unit at https://webapps.labor.ny.gov/dews/ui/fraud/report-fraud.shtm .
Persons who believe they are victims of identity theft should report to the Federal Trade Commission at https://identitytheft.gov .
“The unscrupulous will stop at nothing to make an illegal buck,” said District Attorney David Hoovler, “especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. Identity theft remains a significant problem, whether it shows up in unemployment insurance fraud or in other types of scams.”
He urged people to “keep a close eye on their financial matters, so that they can be sure they aren’t victims of identity theft. Check your credit reports regularly. Pay attention to any mail you get from financial institutions or from the government, mail that might be a red flag that your identity has been stolen. And, above all, don’t share personal information with anyone you don’t know and trust, especially online. Taking care with your finances is an important way to help minimize the risk of identity theft.”
