Be Aware of Potential Fraud

Fraud Alert
The IRS alerted the Mississippi Department of Security of a phone spoofing scam. A group is using the MDES contact center number 601-493-9427 to contact people requesting payment. MDES will NEVER contact you and request payment for services. There is no fee for Unemployment Services through MDES. If you are asked to pay a fee, DO NOT PAY the fee, instead report this to MDES. If you believe you have been contacted by this group, please report it immediately by following the steps detailed on this page mdes.ms.gov/fraud

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MDES Urges Claimants to Be Aware of Potential Fraud when filing Claims

Claimants in Mississippi should be aware of potential fraud when filling for unemployment insurance benefits. The threat of potential scams aiming to steal personal information is real and MDES urges all claimants to only use the agency’s official website: mdes.ms.gov

“Many of the individuals we’re helping are filing for unemployment insurance for the very first time,” said MDES Executive Director Jackie Turner. “Please be cautious of scammers trying to take advantage of the situation.”

MDES wants you to know:

No fee

There is no fee to file for unemployment compensation. MDES will never ask for a debit card or other method of payment in order to process a claim. If you receive a phone call from someone identifying them self as a representative of Mississippi Department of Employment Security or MDES, do not send money.

False websites

Several websites advertise they can assist claimants in filing for unemployment benefits. Some of these sites offer services free of charge and others charge for services. These sites often ask for confidential/private information, such as your Social Security number, address, work history, and email address. Use only the official MDES website mdes.ms.gov to file for unemployment benefits. MDES does not work with, nor endorse any private service claiming to assist applicants in applying for unemployment insurance benefits.

Personal documents

Some solicitors will ask claimants to upload a copy of their driver’s license, birth certificate, etc. MDES will only notify you through agency issued correspondence to ask for your documentation to be uploaded within your secure mdes.ms.gov account.

Social media

These same solicitors and companies may attempt to reach out to you through social media to request your personal information. To protect your data, do not share your private information through social media messages, posts, or groups.

Verification

Solicitors may demand that you verify your identity within 24 hours to process your claim. MDES will not send such requests. After filing an initial claim, the claimant will receive an online secure message with a monetary determination of benefits.

Online surveys

MDES does not pay claimants to take surveys. If you receive an email requesting you to complete an online survey that appears to be from the State, do not complete the survey. This is likely an attempt to get your personal information.

“We want to say once again to everyone seeking unemployment benefits, to only use mdes.ms.gov to file a claim. This is the only official website for filing unemployment in Mississippi,” said Turner.

To learn more about filing for unemployment benefits in Mississippi, the latest updates for FAQs, including weekly certification filing and more, visit us only at mdes.ms.gov

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