Got weird texts from NY unemployment about password reset - is this a scam?

omg this happened to me last month! Those texts are definitely NOT normal. Someone was trying to get into my account and redirect my payments. You need to call the fraud department ASAP and keep trying until you get through. Also change your password immediately if you haven't already and enable 2-factor authentication if possible.

I finally managed to get through to them after trying for days using this service called Claimyr. They basically wait on hold for you and then call you when a real person picks up. Seriously the best money I've ever spent to finally get my account secured. They have a youtube video explaining how it works here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY A SCAM. NY unemployment will NEVER text you asking for password resets without you initiating it. Someone is trying to steal your benefits. You need to: 1. Immediately change your password (use a completely new one, not a variation of your old one) 2. Call the fraud department (I know it's hard to get through) 3. Check if your payment method/bank info was changed 4. File a police report - seriously, this is identity theft 5. Monitor your credit reports I work in cybersecurity and have seen this exact scam targeting unemployment systems across multiple states. They're hoping you'll ignore it and then they can redirect your payments. If you're struggling to reach someone on the phone, try claimyr.com - it's a service that waits on hold for you and connects you when a rep answers. When dealing with fraud, you NEED to talk to a live person.

The ny unemployment system is a joke. Their security is from like 1995 🤡 I've been getting random texts for months. Make sure u file a police report too and check ur credit reports. Identity theft is no joke

The exact same thing happened to me! I got texts at 2am and ignored them thinking they were scams, but then someone changed my direct deposit info and stole a payment. It took me FOREVER to get it fixed. The fraud department never answered so I had to physically go to a unemployment office. Bring all your ID and proof of address if you go that route.

It's def a scam!!! My cousin works for the state and said theres been a HUGE increase in unemployment fraud lately. They're targeting accounts that have consistent payment history. Everyone needs to use strong unique passwords and check their accounts regularly!!!

yooo the same exact thing happened to me in April!! I literally couldn't get anyone on the phone for DAYS. I ended up using claimyr.com and finally got through to someone who helped me lock my account. Honestly it was the only way I could talk to a live agent. They got it fixed pretty quick once I actually talked to a human.

Does anyone know if there's an email we can use instead of calling? I literally can't sit on hold all day I have to work 😭

Update on my similar situation: after 8(!!!) days of trying, I finally got through to someone who helped me secure my account. Had to verify my identity all over again, but at least my benefits are safe now. OP - don't give up, keep calling. The morning right when they open seemed to work best for me.

am i the only one whos never gotten a single text from NY unemployment? now im paranoid and checking my account 🤔

They seriously need to overhaul the entire system. My friend works in IT and says the unemployment websites for most states are running on ancient code that's super vulnerable. Like we're talking systems designed before smartphones were even a thing. No wonder hackers are having a field day.

I wonder if they're targeting specific areas? I'm in Buffalo and know at least 3 people this has happened to in the last month.

Check your credit reports NOW! If they have enough info to get into your unemployment account, they might be opening credit cards in your name too. Freeze your credit with all three bureaus if you can.

wait hold up - does this actually happen that often? I've been on unemployment for 3 months and haven't had any issues... should I be worried?

Heads up - there's also fake unemployment websites that look exactly like the real one. Always make sure you're on the official .gov site and not some lookalike domain.