Few things make a person more vulnerable than losing their job, and scammers have found another way to exploit it, warned New York State Department of Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith recently.
On Wednesday, April 15, the Labor Department revealed that it has become aware that scammers have been charging victims, including many in New York City’s Polish community, fees to file claims to collect Unemployment Insurance benefits.
By law, there is no charge to sign up for Unemployment Insurance benefits from the state Labor Department, either online or by phone.
“If you are told differently, then it’s a scam,” said Governor David Paterson. “I applaud Labor Commissioner Patricia Smith for her efforts to ensure the fraud and abuse that can be targeted at those New Yorkers who we are trying to help get assistance is eliminated,” he said.
In New York, unemployment insurance is funded directly by each individual employer’s “contribution.” It is illegal to even solicit such contributions from employees.
“It is unconscionable that people would take advantage of those who have lost a job and are in their most critical time of need,” Paterson said.
The Labor Department is urging New Yorkers, particularly those in ethnic communities, to be aware of this growing scam.
“I’d like to remind New York’s immigrants that the Labor Department’s Bureau of Immigrant Workers’ Rights can help you, regardless of your immigration status,” Smith said. “If you have been victimized by these scammers I urge you to call the Bureau immediately,” she stressed.
Bureau of Immigrant Workers’ Rights was created in May of 2007 and based in New York City, with offices in Buffalo and on Long Island. Within months, it had contacted dozens of immigrant and labor groups, elected officials and foreign language media outlets.
In 2006, immigrants accounted for 2.47 million, or 26 percent of the workforce in New York State. In the city, immigrants accounted for 1.76 million or 47 percent of the workforce.
“I’d like to remind New York’s immigrants that the Labor Department’s Bureau of Immigrant Workers’ Rights can help you, regardless of your immigration status,” Smith declared. “If you have been victimized by these scammers I urge you to call the Bureau immediately,” she said.
The fastest way to apply for unemployment insurance benefits is to file an application through the Labor Department website at www.labor.ny.gov. Those who do not have internet access can call 888-209-8124.
To contact the Bureau of Immigrant Workers’ Rights call 877-IMM-WRKR
(877-466-9757).
