Unemployment agency promotes online safety during Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Individuals and businesses encouraged to recognize fraud attempts and take proactive steps to protect themselves

In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is inviting Michiganders to join the fight against fraud and learn simple steps they can take to protect against scams.

"Workers and businesses alike must be aware of how to keep themselves safe online," said UIA Director Jason Palmer. "This month is an important reminder of efforts we need to practice year-round: staying vigilant, recognizing potential scams, and taking steps to protect personal information. When Michiganders stay informed, they become powerful partners with UIA in the fight against fraud."

To help individuals and businesses stay safe online, UIA is sharing simple, practical cybersecurity steps that can prevent criminals from gaining access to sensitive information. These tips complement the agency's own ongoing fraud‑prevention work and empower Michiganders to be active partners in protecting themselves and their communities.

-- Be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, texts, or social media messages claiming to be from UIA. Log in to your MiWAM or MiUI account to verify correspondence, or contact UIA.

-- Do not share any personal information, such as your Social Security number, account login, or banking details, in response to random calls, texts, or email claiming to be from the UIA.

-- Use a strong, unique password for your MiWAM or MiLogin accounts. Do not reuse passwords across accounts.

-- Review your account regularly for unfamiliar activity and report anything suspicious to UIA right away. Monitor your correspondence within your account for official requests for information.

-- Log out completely when using a shared or public computer to access your account.

-- Report unemployment fraud or identity theft at Michigan.gov/UIA.

This summer, UIA warned the public about a phone scam in which callers falsely claimed that unpaid unemployment benefits were available for a fee. A Michigander had alerted the agency after receiving a call similar to scam attempts reported in other states. UIA never charges a fee to release benefits, nor does it contact individuals to demand payment or personal information. Learn more about this phone scam, unemployment fraud and protecting your private information at Michigan.gov/UIA.