More than one million New Jerseyans have filed for unemployment, with many still not seeing their benefits, and now scammers are taking advantage.

 

In Mercer County, county executive Brian Hughes announced internet employment scams have been happening a lot, asking his residents to “please stay vigilant and do not fall victim to phishing campaigns and other unscrupulous activities."

New Jersey's Office of Homeland Security has a division dedicated to cybersecurity. They've found employment ads offering telework, and after someone is offered a job, they have to complete various forms such as a W-9 and direct deposit. That's all the scammer needs to drain someone's bank account and steal their identity.

With many people at home looking for online and remote jobs, it can happen anywhere to anyone.

New Jersey has a COVID-19 Fraud Task Force dedicated to catching scammers. The National Center for Disaster Fraud has a line at (866) 720-5721.