on a wave of scams, including unemployment fraud, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, concerns have only grown as new levels of fraud are uncovered across the United States.
During the pandemic, about 50% of unemployment claims, or $400 billion, may have gone to scammers, . In Maryland alone, nearly 300,000 fraudulent claims have been paid to scammers, . So far, the Secret Service has recovered $2 billion worth of unemployment fraud, but as the economy recovers, this kind of crime is expected to continue.
The most common scams targeting unemployment claims include spoofing scams — when caller ID is used to make a phone number look like it’s from a legitimate business. Investment fraud, identity theft and extortion are widespread. Romance scams are also used to target potential victims.
To avoid becoming a victim, video chat or plan to meet up in a safe location before starting an online relationship and always verify a business before sharing personal information. Do your research on online investment opportunities claiming huge returns and never send money to people you meet over the internet.
