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Division of Unemployment Insurance Warns Claimants Against Fraudulent Websites

BALTIMORE, MD (December 14, 2011) – The Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Unemployment Insurance (DLLR-UI) warns unemployed Marylanders against the risks of sharing information with independent websites claiming to provide help filing for unemployment insurance benefits. Organizations like the Unemployment Benefits, LLC (www.unemploymentapply.com) are targeting claimants and may collect vital personal information, putting individuals at risk for identity theft.

The only way to apply for unemployment insurance in Maryland is directly through DLLR-UI, either on the State’s unemployment insurance website (http://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/unemployment.shtml, http://www.dllr.maryland.gov/employment/unemployment.shtml or www.mdunemployment.com) or by calling the Unemployment Insurance office (410-949-0022 or 800-827-4839). DLLR-UI does not require payment of any kind to file a claim and will never ask a claimant for credit card information.

“It is a shame that anyone would make false promises to individuals who are counting on a secure safety net during this challenging national economic downturn. Individuals filing for unemployment insurance benefits must file their claims directly with the Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Unemployment Insurance. There is no independent website or organization that can file a claim on your behalf,” said Department of Labor Assistant Secretary for Unemployment Insurance Julie Ellen Squire. “We urge all Marylanders to use caution when providing personal information online. Those Marylanders who think they have filed a claim with an independent organization should contact our office and take the appropriate precautions to guard against identity theft.”

Claimants who have given personal information to the Unemployment Benefits, LLC or other independent organizations should contact DLLR-UI and file an unemployment insurance benefits claim with the state. The Division also advises those individuals to have their computer cleaned for malware and sign up with a credit monitoring service to protect their vital personal information. DLLR-UI has advised the Consumer Protection Division of the potential fraud committed by Unemployment Benefits, LLC and will pursue possible legal action. Marylanders who think their personal information may have fallen into the wrong hands can call the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline at 410-528-8662 or 888-743-0023.

About the Maryland Department of Labor
The Maryland Department of Labor is committed to safeguarding and protecting Marylanders. We're proud to support the economic stability of the state by providing businesses, the workforce, and the consuming public with high-quality, customer-focused regulatory, employment, and training services. For updates and information, follow the Maryland Department of Labor on Twitter (@MD_Labor), Facebook and visit our website.