We recently covered the types of unemployment scams to be aware of and tips for preparing your employees for them. While every employer hopes to avoid being victims to any type of scam, the reality is that it can happen. However, a timely and well-planned response can minimize damage and sometimes even prevent future fraudulent activity after a scam attempt does occur.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), you should respond to a scam attempt by following these steps:
- Alert your workforce
Alert your employees that a scam has taken place and remind them of the need to be cautious. Ensure that employees know where to direct any notice from an entity claiming to be a government agency. This may be to a specified resource, such as IT.
- Report the fraud
Best practices for reporting fraud vary by state, so check your state unemployment agency’s website for the correct instructions.
- Retrain teams on what to look for
By investing in additional education on relevant scams, employers may be able to continue to help their teams look out for common scams.
- Refer affected employees to identitytheft.gov
By reporting any fraudulent activity, including any identity theft, victims can get step-by-step help and the resources they need.
- Ensure employees are aware of cybersecurity best practices
Effective cyber protection measures require buy-in from employees. Ensure employees are aware of how they can help prevent fraudulent activity.
No workplace is immune to the threat of scams, and now is as good a time as ever to ensure your organization is taking adequate steps to both prevent and respond to any fraudulent activity.
Continue to follow guidance from the FTC and consult with local legal counsel when updating or changing policies. For additional resources, reach out to us here.
