State Officials Warn Jobless of Scams

Staff and Wire Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY -- State officials are warning about scams affecting Oklahomans seeking jobs during the current economic downturn.

The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission has received complaints about Web sites that promise to provide unemployment-related services, such as filling out paperwork for jobless benefits for a fee.

Oklahoma Unemployment Commission Executive Director John Brock says his agency does that for free and there is no reason for people to pay money to get their jobless benefits.

Attorney General Drew Edmondson says at least one of the Web sites gives the appearance of being a government agency.

"Unemployment is up and jobs are in short supply," Edmondson said. "The combination of those two facts can create a sense of desperation for consumers, who may be more willing to go out on a limb to procure jobs or benefits. We're already seeing scammers attempting to take advantage of the unsteady market."

Edmondson's office is investigating the complaints.