Identity Fraud Scammers Targeting Delco Residents: DA

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Authorities in Delaware County are warning residents of identity fraud scammers who are targeting residents.

District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said an identity scam has been detected involving the Commonwealth’s unemployment compensation system.

Law enforcement has learned that some residents have received notifications regarding an
unemployment benefit claim, despite that fact that the resident had not signed up for
unemployment compensation.

In some cases, residents have received checks or direct deposits from Pennsylvania's unemployment system without having filed for such benefits.

"We have received reports from law enforcement – as well as from Delaware County employees – that they have received notifications from the Commonwealth that they have been approved for unemployment benefits, or received checks, despite never having filed for benefits," said Stollsteimer. "The pandemic has exacerbated many longstanding problems, and one of those is identity theft. Apparently, scammers have been signing up unwitting – and still fully employed – residents for jobless benefits as part of a surge in sophisticated identity theft. If you receive a check that you are not expecting, DO NOT CASH IT."

The DA's office advises that anyone who receives a paper check in the mail and did not file for unemployment benefits in Pennsylvania should not cash the checks.

Any such checks should be returned to Department of Treasury Comptroller’s Office, Attn: Mark Accorsi, Room 113, Finance Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120

Anyone who receives a direct deposit and did not file for unemployment benefits in Pennsylvania should not use the funds.

The funds should be returned to Department of Labor & Industry, 651 Boas St., Room 500, Harrisburg, PA 17121

Payments must be made by personal check, cashier’s check, certified check, or money order to the "PA UC Fund."

When returning the money, be sure to include a brief signed statement with the reason you are sending in the payment and include your printed name, address, last four of your social security number, phone number and email address.

Cashing the checks or using direct deposited funds knowing that you have not applied for PUA or any other UC program may be deemed fraud and repayment will be required.

The District Attorney and the Criminal Investigation Division remind anyone in Delaware County who observes suspicious activity to call 911 immediately and provide the most specific and accurate details possible to assist law enforcement agencies investigating the call for service.