The Hummelstown Borough Police Department would like to make residents aware of a new scam being seen throughout Pennsylvania. Since the onset of Covid-19 scams have skyrocketed all throughout Pennsylvania and the rest of country. Currently scammers are using the Unemployment crisis to their advantage and using the Unemployment Compensation Assistance Program to scam unsuspecting citizens.

The scammers behind the PUA fraud appear to be using Social Security numbers and other personally identifiable information to apply for and receive PUA benefits. In many situations, the victims are unaware that their personal information has been compromised.
 
The following are some warning signs of a possible COVID-19 scam:

• For workers – receiving any type of correspondence that you filed an unemployment claim when you did not file a claim for benefits.
• For employers – if you notice a claim has been filed for one or more of your employees who are still working.

 
In general, take these steps to protect yourself against unemployment scams:

• Never give out your personal information over email or text message.
• Don’t wire money, and always ignore the following requests:
  • • Communications related to your UC benefits from someone asking for money;
    • Someone who says they can help you file for your benefits for a fee; and
    • Anyone claiming to work for L&I who says they need a fee to complete your application.
• Don’t open or respond to unsolicited emails or text messages.
• Never give out your personal information on websites or social media channels – especially those that claim they can help you apply for UC benefits. Third parties can’t apply for your benefits.
• Don’t trust or rely on UC info from unofficial websites – always visit www.uc.pa.gov for Pennsylvania unemployment program information.
• L&I may need to call you. If you file a claim, save the following unemployment phone numbers to your phone so you know you’re receiving a legitimate call from L&I:
  • • 888-313-7284 – regular UC
    • 855-284-8545 – Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) phone number

We will ask you for some personal identification information including the last four digits of your Social Security number if we call you, but we will not ask for your full SSN unless you call us.

Please stay vigilant!  

Thank you,

Hummelstown Borough Police Department.