Thousands of Michiganders struggling to get answers about unemployment targeted by new scam

DETROIT – A new scam is targeting thousands of Michigan residents who are still struggling to get answers about their unemployment benefits.

Scammers are on social media offering people help with their unemployment problems in exchange for cash.

Navigating the unemployment system in Michigan has been a major challenge. Thousands of viewers have reached out to Help Me Hank with stories about their struggles.

• Here’s what scammers are doing to target Michiganders filing for unemployment
• Why are Michigan unemployment offices still closed?
• Will extra COVID-19 unemployment benefits be extended or replaced by ‘back-to-work’ bonus?
• Attorney threatens lawsuit over Michigan freezing unemployment payments

Scams have made the process even more difficult, and now, there’s a warning from Attorney General Dana Nessel about scammers on social media.

Those scammers are offering help to Michiganders, but unfortunately, they only want to steal their money.

Messages have been popping up online, mainly on Facebook.

MORE: Michigan lawmaker wants Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to overhaul state’s unemployment agency

There’s no secret way to get what you need with the snap of a finger. These scammers claim to be insiders charging for information, but that’s not the case. Most people get very little help and lose money.

“There is no guarantee that these answers have been vetted or that the individuals promising to help can actually do so,” Nessel said. “Do not, under any circumstances, pay a fee or offer up your personal information to someone on social media.”

• 65 coronavirus (COVID-19) cases now linked to outbreak at East Lansing bar
• Whitmer signs order allowing professional sports to return without fans
• 8 possible COVID-19 exposure locations identified in Traverse City after group fails to follow rules
• Here are all rule changes, roster limits, strict safety measures in MLB’s 101-page operations manual