Original Phishing Message and Attachment

Tips for Detection

  • Any legitimate email from the U.S. Department of Labor will come from a *@dol.gov email address. The sending email address in this instance is benefits[@]dol-gov.online.
  • The attachment in the email does not contain malware. However, it asks for information such as direct deposit account/routing numbers and other personal information. Do not send sensitive information via email.
  • The information in the email regarding unemployment benefits during COVID-19 are not quite accurate. In general, beware of phishing emails regarding COVID-19 assistance or emails with misinformation. (Visit the WA Employment Security Department website, esd.wa.gov, for current information about the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.)
  • Always use extra caution when you see the “Caution” banner prepended to an email message. This email also contains numerous grammatical errors.

Text of Phishing Message

Dear Claimant No. 009371176,

You have received this e-mail because you have been “Denied” Unemployment Benefits and (or) “Not qualified” for PUA and UI Benefits BUT have qualified for a Pandemic Employee Assistance Benefit.

On Sunday, December 27, 2020, the President signed into law, H.R. 133, an Act making consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021, providing coronavirus emergency response and relief, and for other purposes.

Also effected, is the disbursement of extended relief benefit for whether employed or unemployed, so long you have not met legibility requirements of the other standing Covid-19 Pandemic Assistance Benefit Programs which in this recourse shall have you receive a backdated and accumulated 35 weekely payments of $600 starting from April 23, 2020 until December 26 2020.

To complete your application for a procession of payment, please find attached in this email an “Employee Form EC-03” which should be filled and submitted along with a Valid Mode of Identification by email to: applications[@]benefits-dol.online

Your submitted ID  is for the verification purpose and “Without verification, claimants will not be able to claim benefits. In addition, Digital ID verification will happen every 90 days, so the sooner claimants can get used to the process, the easier it will be for future attempts”.

Photo ID tips:

Ensure all edges, especially the four corners are visible
Ensure the photo is not blurry and is clearly visible
Take the photo in a well-lit area
Use indirect light to avoid glare
Place the ID on a contrasting background

Facial photo tips:

Have a plain, single-colored wall as a background
Face the camera directly – include your shoulders and top of your head
Have the camera at eye level – do not hold the camera too high or too low
Ensure the area is well lit with no backlight
Do not wear sunglasses or a hat and ensure hair is not obstructing your face


Applications received after January 11, 2021 shall not be approved for payment until Second Batch payment approval commences March 22, 2021.

Upon receipt of your submitted form, you shall receive an e-mail confirmation of your Benefit Payment Approval within 48 Hours. Please allow 3-5 business days to receive payment by a Direct Deposit and 5-10 days by a Debit Card Mail.


Thank you.

Jeanne Klinefelter Wilson
Assistant Secretary – Acting (Employee Benefits Security Administration/EBSA)
U.S DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20210