Scams Targeting Unemployment Claimants

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has identified a new phishing scam that uses fake email messages that appear to have real TWC email addresses in order to target unemployment claimants in the appeal process. Scammers use these fake TWC email messages and addresses to give false instructions for withdrawing an appeal that instructs claimants to upload direct deposit information.

If you receive an email that asks you to provide or upload your direct deposit information or any other personal information, DO NOT respond. TWC will NEVER ask you to upload your direct deposit information through our online portal or request your full direct deposit information by telephone, email, text, or messaging app. DO NOT provide your banking or personal information to anyone via email, social media, or messaging apps.

The only time you would provide your full direct deposit information to TWC is:

• When you apply for benefits and select a payment method using our secure, online Unemployment Benefit Services (UBS) application or
• If you change your payment method either on UBS or using Tele-Serv, TWC's secure, automated telephone system. To change your payment option, select “Payment Option” from the Quick Links menu on the UBS homepage or call Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 and select Option 5.

Note: TWC may ask claimants who have already provided their direct deposit information to provide the last four digits of their bank account when appropriate to verify claimants' identity.

See our Requesting Direct Deposit webpage or our Payment Request tutorial for more information.

Claimants who want to withdraw an appeal should visit Before the Appeal Hearing webpage for the correct instructions.

How TWC Contacts You

TWC uses email, social media, or text messaging to provide general information about unemployment benefits to many people at once. TWC only sends specific information about your claim or requests for information by regular mail, electronic correspondence through UBS, or telephone.

TWC Will Never:

• Contact you through social media, text message, or messaging apps with specific information or requests about your claim. We will call you directly and confirm your identity.
• Request your personal information (such as your full banking information, Social Security number, or address) via email, text message, or social media.
• Ask for full banking information, credit card information, cash, or money order.

How to Keep Your Information Safe

Follow these guidelines to help keep your information secure:

• Do not share your Social Security number, banking information, address, account login, and password, or unemployment benefits claim details with anyone by email or social media — including us. Note: If you contact or request contact from TWC by email, we may ask you to provide the last four digits of your Social Security number to confirm your identity. We will only ask for your full Social Security number to confirm your identity if you call TWC's Tele-Center at 800-936-6631 or if TWC contacts you directly by phone.
• If someone claiming to represent TWC requests any personal information from you via email or social media, do not respond.
• Only conduct business through TWC's official unemployment portal, Tele-Serv, or our Tele-Center. Do not trust portals or webpages unless the page or portal is hosted on TWC's website, https://twc.texas.gov/. Please see Unemployment Benefits Contact Information for Claimants for Tele-Serv and Tele-Center contact details.