Crime & Safety

Scammers Manipulating Legislators, Social Media, Reporters In Fraud Efforts According To Colorado Department Of Labor And Employment

"The fraudsters are persistent and very smart," said Phil Spesshardt, who oversees Colorado's unemployment insurance program.

By Brian Maass, CBS Denver:

DENVER (CBS4)– In acknowledging nearly $20 million in confirmed fraudulent unemployment claims during the pandemic, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment also portrayed cunning and sophisticated scam rings that are trying to manipulate Facebook groups, state lawmakers and media organizations in an effort to pressure the unemployment department to loosen fraud controls, thus allowing scammers to steal more money from the state.

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“The fraudsters are persistent and very smart,” said Phil Spesshardt, who oversees Colorado’s unemployment insurance program.


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