Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office advises of rise in unemployment insurance scams

The Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office is reporting that it has received numerous complaints regarding unemployment insurance scams. Area law enforcement officials want to let people know that if they receive information regarding unemployment claims that are suspicious, they may contact Iowa Workforce Development at its primary telephone number of 1-866-239-0843.

To report Unemployment Identity Theft, contact Iowa Workforce Development at UIFraud@iwd.iowa.gov or fill out a report form found on the Iowa Workforce Development website at https://workforce.iowa.gov/unemployment/fraud. The Unemployment Identity Customer Service Department open hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Law enforcement officials warn people to watch out for fraudulent websites, phishing attempts or scams posing as the unemployment insurance office and report them as soon as possible. Iowa Workforce Development has recently identified an active scheme that is targeting individuals in northwest Iowa (and likely other areas of the state).

The scheme is attempting to file fraudulent claims by using someone else’s information. As a result, individuals are receiving letters that appear to show that they filed for benefits. Anyone who has received one of these letters but did not file for benefits should contact Iowa Workforce Development immediately.