The Palatine Police Department has received several complaints from residents who
reported receiving a debit card for unemployment benefits although they had never filed
an unemployment claim or requested a card. The debit cards, which bear the Illinois
Department of Employment Security insignia, are used to load unemployment benefit
payments after a claim has been approved. The Illinois Department of Employment
Security oversees the unemployment compensation program.

If you or a family member have received an unrequested letter and debit card from the
Illinois Department of Employment Security, contact the Palatine Police Department by
dialing 9-1-1 as you may be the target of fraud. A report will be generated and the
information will be forwarded to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. In
addition, anyone who received a debit card is encouraged to contact the Illinois
Department of Employment Security at 800-814-0513. Do not provide personal
information to anyone, including Social Security numbers or any type of banking
information when looking into why you received the debit card.