Press Releases
Are You Checking ID and Password Combinations?
December 15, 2008
On Point Technology recently learned from an Agency, of a scam being perpetrated by utilizing the Agency’s unemployment insurance (UI) online filing system. This particular Agency allows employers the ability to manage their UI accounts online and allows claimants to file their claims on line. As is customary with online accounts, their system requires both employers and claimants to create unique log on identification and password as well as a secret question and answer.
A scam used to fraudulently obtain UI benefits was carried out by establishing a combination of fictitious employers and phony claimants using stolen identities, some of them belonging to deceased persons. Fortunately, an astute Agency staffer was reviewing files and noticed the same passwords, secret questions, and secret answers were appearing multiple times - too often to be a coincidence. Further investigation revealed that the phony employers and claimants were not only using the same log on identification and passwords, but also using the same address. Those involved with the scam are currently in prosecution.
If your Agency has instituted the same or similar log on password and security question requirement for your online UI filing system, we urge you to check for this type of repetition, to protect your sacred UI Trust Fund dollars.
On Point Technology’s Aware software application can be operational in approximately four months and can be used to isolate scams such as the one described here. For more information contact Bob Yokavonus at 908-526-0426 or e-mail robert.yokavonus@onpointtech.com.