Crime Prevention and Tips and Victim Resources

IDES Phishing Scam

A new phishing scam is going around involving text messages allegedly sent from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). IDES has confirmed that they will never send out a text message asking for personal information, such as a social security number, driver’s license number, and date of birth.  If you receive an unsolicited text message from the IDES (see the example picture), ignore and block it.  If you have provided personal information through a text message link, report the potential fraud to IDES immediately - call 800-814-0513.

Screenshot of scam text from IDES Screenshot of IDES statement about fraud and identity theft 


For more information on how to protect your unemployment benefits


Click on the highlighted web link below to be taken to that website.

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