FTC: Phishing Campaign Targets Unemployment Benefits & PII

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) this week warned of a phishing campaign targeting victims' unemployment insurance benefits and personally identifiable information (PII).

Malicious text messages claim that victims must "make necessary corrections" to their unemployment insurance claim, verify their personal information, or reactivate their UI benefits account. The texts include a link that redirects to a fake state workforce agency website, where victims are asked to enter site credentials and personal data such as a Social Security number.

"Fraudsters can use the information to file fraudulent UI benefits claims or for other identity theft," officials wrote in a warning.

One message, for example, states, "The department of labor has noticed some discrepancies in your unemployment claim profile" and includes a link to make necessary corrections. Another says, "Action Required! Your driver's license required to meet with our new regulation-compliant update" and provides a link to enter the data.

Officials advise people who think they may have entered personal information into a fraudulent website to visit IdentityTheft.gov, where they can learn how to make it more difficult for a thief to misuse their data.

Read the full advisory for more details.