Dear COBA Members;

Awhile back, COBA notified you that a few of our Members were victimized by an Unemployment Insurance Fraud scheme. This fraud has been perpetrated in numerous states since the beginning of the COVID Pandemic.

These phony claims utilize personal information, including Social Security #'s Driver's License #'s, mailing addresses etc, that are garnered through the internet and use that info to apply for Unemployment Benefits under that person's name. Most people don't learn that they are affected until they receive an unemployment notice from the State or a notice from their employer.

There are also numerous other potential credit scams that you can be vulnerable to due to never ending informational breaches by hackers such as the recent ones that occurred in Suffolk County and with COBA's own server breach that happened several months ago.

We have just been advised that 3 of our Members have once again been targeted for this type of scam.

This is a reminder for you to be vigilant and protect your information!!

We have also previously advised you that a few of our Members were not only victimized by these scams, but some also received Unemployment Debit cards in the mail. These instances are particularly troubling because imposters posing as government officials may attempt to contact victims to recoup these monies.

NEVER, EVER respond to correspondence requesting for you to wire funds, send cash, or send money to someone by using gift cards.

If you receive a notice from the NYS Dept of Labor related to an application for unemployment benefits that you did not file, OR; suspect that you are a victim of fraud and/or identity theft, please take the following steps:

• Immediately notify the Depts Human Resources Unit, who will then initiate a protest for the unemployment claim as well as notify the Dept of Labor of this potential fraud.
  

• You can also notify the DOL directly by calling (888)-598-2077 or via their website at https://labor.ny.gov/agencyinfo/uifraud.shtm
  

• You can also file a complaint by contacting the Nassau County DA's office website at: https://nassauda.org/
  

• For personal identity theft, other than unemployment insurance fraud, you can contact the Nassau County Police Dept by calling 911.
  

More information can be found on the Federal Trade Commission's website:

https://identitytheft.gov/

You should also stay vigilant by regularly reviewing your credit reports.

Always In Unity;

Brian Sullivan, COBA President