State Auditor Colón Warns New Mexicans About Unemployment Insurance Scams

Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 22 March 2021 22 March 2021

Auditor Colón and the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions Urge New Mexicans to be Aware of Fraudsters Seeking to Take Advantage of Unemployment Benefits 

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Auditor Colón is once again urging New Mexicans to be aware of fraudsters exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of the State Auditor (OSA) together with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (DWS) issued a joint risk advisory and fraud alert concerning unemployment benefits scams. Both agencies are calling for increased awareness as fraudsters continue to perpetuate numerous schemes related to the pandemic and are providing actionable steps individuals can take to protect themselves.  

"Predators continue to target New Mexicans who are already struggling to make ends meet during this pandemic," said Auditor Colón. "These fraudsters are stealing personal identification information and as a result are stealing money out of the pockets of taxpayers."

Additional information for employers and individuals affected by COVID-19, including frequently asked questions, can be found at www.dws.state.nm.us/COVID-19-Info. 

There are various avenues for reporting other instances of waste, fraud, and abuse directly related to COVID-19. The OSA is asking individuals to report any concerns to the appropriate agencies, details and contact information are provided below.  

New Mexicans concerned about potential instances of governmental waste, fraud, and abuse should contact the OSA. Reports may be made anonymously through our website at www.saonm.org or by calling 1-866-OSA-FRAUD. You may also speak to an investigator by calling . 

New Mexicans concerned with Unemployment Insurance Fraud are urged to contact the NM Department of Workforce Solutions UI Fraud Complaints Unit by email id.verify@state.nm.us or calling .

For more information concerning COVID-19 in New Mexico please visit the New Mexico Department of Health’s Coronavirus resource website: http://cv.nmhealth.org/ or call the Coronavirus Information Hotline at 1-833-551-0518.

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