BENTON, Ark. — Editor's Note: The attached video aired on March 2, 2020 in regards to coronavirus scammers.
According to Benton police, the department has received multiple reports of unemployment fraud within the community over the past few weeks.
The scammers are reportedly making phone calls, pretending to be police officers, and saying that someone has fraudulently filed for unemployment in the citizen's name. They then proceed to ask for a social security number and other information.
Benton police want the public to know the department will never contact community members via phone call, unless they are involved in an active investigation. And if you are involved in an active investigation, you would have already been made aware.
Police say this type of scam is particularly dangerous. Not only are criminals getting access to an account, but they're getting access to someone's actual identity.
Police advise the public to use caution when answering any unexpected phone calls, even when it comes from a number you recognize. Scammers are often able to make numbers appears as though they're coming from a legitimate source.
If you've been a victim of this scam, you can call Benton PD at 501-776-5948 or 501-778-1171.