Staff report
The Employment Security Commission of North Carolina has been alerted to a fraud scheme which offers people the opportunity to qualify for emergency unemployment insurance extended benefits if they pay a fee.
The state agency says no fee is required to apply for unemployment benefits in any state.
Debbie S. Davis, head of the Salisbury Employment Security Commission office, said a local resident has reported being on a Web site that offered to take an application for extended benefits for a $19.95 fee.
“This is an unfortunate situation where citizens are being taken advantage of when their financial prospects are bleak,” said Employment Security Commission Chairman Harry E. Payne Jr. “Our agency does not require a fee to apply for services and will seek to prosecute those who try to defraud the public in such a manner with respect to unemployment insurance.”
Those in North Carolina who feel they qualify for the emergency unemployment benefits should contact the agency at one of its offices statewide or go to the agency’s Web site, www.ncesc.com, and apply online for the extended benefits.