Marion police say 'bogus' website targets the unemployed | Crime

MARION, IL (KFVS) - The Marion Police Department says they are investigating a "bogus" website that specifically targets people who are currently receiving unemployment benefits and looking to extend their benefits.

The police department says the scam is a predatory phishing scheme designed to get personal information such as a person's name, date of birth, social security number, etc. They say once they have that information the people can use it to potentially get loans, credit cards and more further adding to problems for people unemployed.

According to police, the site also lists its physical address as that of the Marion Fire Department, 204 N. Court Street, as well as the fire department's phone number. Police say this is currently unexplained. Fire Chief Jack Reed has confirmed his department had fielded a number of calls from unemployed people who are looking for extensions on their benefits.

As a reminder, police say anyone needing to seek an extension on their unemployment should directly contact their unemployment office.

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