Edward Gately
Nov 07, 2009 (The Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --

The Arizona Department of Economic Security is warning unemployment insurance recipients of a fraudulent scheme that could allow thieves to obtain their weekly benefits.

According to reports from other states, people are receiving a cell phone message indicating that their personal identification numbers are no longer valid. Recipients are told that the U.S. Department of Labor has deactivated their debit cards, and that they must type in their full debit card number, and then their personal identification number, to have the cards reactivated.

By doing so, recipients are allowing scammers access to their unemployment accounts to steal any remaining money. Anyone receiving one of these messages should ignore and delete it. Anyone who has replied to such a message or given out their debit card number should call the Chase customer service phone number listed on the back of their debit card for help. You should also call the Department of Economic Security's fraud line, (800) 251-2436.

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