Fraud Alerts

Please Note: IWD has identified an active scheme that is targeting individuals in Northwest Iowa (and likely other areas of the state). The scheme is attempting to file fraudulent claims by using someone else’s information. As a result, individuals are receiving letters that appear to show that they filed for benefits. If you receive one of these letters and you DID NOT FILE for benefits, please contact IWD immediately.

To report Unemployment Identity Theft, fill out the IWD ID Theft & Hijacked Account Web Reporting Form form or contact IWD at UIFraud@iwd.iowa.gov.

More Information: Officials warn of workforce scam letters

Please note: An active fraud scheme identified by the IRS is currently targeting some Iowa claimants via mail in an attempt to collect overpaid unemployment benefits. While some information on the letter you received may be correct, the letter may not have come from IWD. All claimants receiving overpayment letters are urged to contact IWD first in order to confirm the information is correct.

IWD’s Benefits Collection Number is 800-914-6808. For more information, please call that number – not the number provided in your letter (if it is different). You also may report suspected fraud to UIFraud@iwd.iowa.gov or on this webpage.

View an example of a letter that is known to be fraudulent

Please note: Iowa Workforce Development will NOT send text messages to unemployment insurance claimants.

If you receive a text from someone claiming to be IWD, do NOT click on the link. Clicking the link could give fraudsters access to information on your phone which could then allow them to take over your UI account. ​In the event that your account is compromised and a fraudster intercepts any payments, it could cause extreme delays to your unemployment insurance funds. 

If you receive a text, please immediately report it to IWD by emailing: UIFraud@iwd.iowa.gov.

Please note: Iowa Workforce Development has previously identified schemes that specifically target immigrants, refugees, or underserved populations who have little or no ability to read, write, or speak English. These schemes have defrauded individuals by offering to help them file for unemployment benefits while directing payments to their own bank accounts. IWD takes these threats very seriously. Any fraudsters who attempt to target vulnerable populations will be reported to law enforcement partners and prosecuted.

More information: Ottumwa Man and Woman Sentenced for Defrauding the Internal Revenue Service, Iowa Workforce Development, and Numerous Citizens