Scam Alert: Tewksbury Police Warn Of Unemployment Benefit Scam

TEWKSBURY, MA — Tewksbury police warned Thursday of an unemployment benefit-related scam that has been reported across the state for weeks. The department has received multiple reports of this scam, according to a Facebook post, and shared guidance from the state Department of Unemployment Assistance.

In this scam, victims receive a letter that appears to be from the state government. The letter states their unemployment benefits have been approved, and sometimes a debit card is included.
The issue: these victims did not apply for unemployment benefits.

Anyone who receives such a letter who has not applied is encouraged to contact the Department of Unemployment Assistance to report the insurance fraud at (877) 626-6800 or online.

Victims should also contact a credit bureau and monitor their credit for any discrepancies.

You can use the Tewksbury Police Department's online reporting tool here.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.