How To Identify Unemployment Rip-Offs

Beware Unemployment Scams

Don’t Get Taken When You’re Down and Out

Face it: opportunists and scam artists are expert at roping unsuspecting and vulnerable individuals, even those in the unemployment line.

If you’ve been laid-off from work and need to file unemployment find out right  now how to access the real services that deliver your rightful unemployment benefits—free of charge.

You heard that right. If you are eligible to receive state-funded unemployment checks you don’t pay anything. Don’t be confused by online messages that try to dupe you into registering for a paid benefits filing service. You CAN apply and receive unemployment checks for free directly through your state unemployment office.

Tips for Recognizing Online “Unemployment” Scams

If you become unemployed through a job layoff you are eligible to apply for and receive unemployment compensation checks from your state government. This is your right. Your employer has paid into the federal tax system to ensure employees just like you are able to receive a percentage of your income so you can continue to provide for yourself and your family. You do not need to apply for obscure government “grants,” or pay for participation or membership in a “private” benefits filing service. Filing for state-funded unemployment compensation is free and it’s money to which you’re entitled.

Beware…

Words like “members” “membership” “paid filing” “private benefits filing” “benefits assistance” “filing assistance” “free unemployment grants” and similar terms should tip you off to possible scams designed to rip off innocent and out of work people like you.

Truth…

You have a right to unemployment pay from your state. Your employer paid taxes for those benefits to be made available to you in the event of your lay-off. You do not have to pay anyone to file your unemployment claim for you. If you need help and can’t find the answers here—visit the website for your state unemployment office and either get the answers there or call their telephone claims inquiry hotline. Period. Don’t hand your hard-earned money to any online business that says it will get your unemployment benefits for you, file for you, or otherwise offer to “connect” you with your rightful compensation.

Resources:

To find your state’s website, use our comprehensive list of all of the state unemployment websites, click here:  State Unemployment Websites