ODJFS warns of potential scam targeting PUA claimants

ODJFS warns of potential scam targeting PUA claimants
JCSD urges residents to hang up on the person making the call and do not pay any fine over the phone as that is not how JCSD conduct business. (Source: Jones County Sheriff's Department)
By Avery Williams | November 19, 2020 at 7:53 AM EST - Updated November 19 at 7:53 AM

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) released a statement Thursday morning claiming current and past Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claimants are potentially being targeted by scammers.

Some claimants reported receiving notifications that appear to be from ODJFS.

A statement said the notifications contain the agency’s logo. ODJFS released an example of the scam notification.

ODJFS warns of potential scam targeting PUA claimants (example of scam notification)
ODJFS warns of potential scam targeting PUA claimants (example of scam notification) (Source: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services)

[ RELATED: Scammers find weak spot in unemployment benefits during pandemic: "It's a perfect storm" ]

The notification instructs the recipient to click on a link and accept their benefit.

These notifications are not from the ODJFS, and the ODJFS does not send similar notifications to claimants.

If you received this notification, report it to the Ohio Attorney General’s office here or by calling 1-800-282-0515.

Copyright 2020 WOIO. All rights reserved.