TWC Chairman Warns of Web Sites Misleading the Public

Tom Pauken, Chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), issued the following statement today about misleading “unemployment claims” Web sites:

Unemployed Texans are being misled by online Web sites that encourage people to fill out their forms for a fee in order to qualify for unemployment benefits.  These paid advertisements on such sites as Google confuse claimants into thinking that, by filling out their forms, that is equivalent to filing for unemployment.

For example, one paid advertiser on Google is www.TheUnemploymentAdvisor.com.  Its ad reads: “Filing for Unemployment? Easy to use Online Submission Form – Fast Response.” 

Understandably, unemployed Texans not familiar with the filing process in Texas could easily believe that they could go to that site and fill out the requisite forms in order to apply for Texas unemployment benefits.  In fact, some Texas claimants mistakenly have done so, only to find out, to their disappointment, that the site in question has nothing to do with the official process at the TWC for filing unemployment benefit claims. If you read the fine print of sites like TheUnemploymentAdvisor.com, you find out that this site has absolutely no connection with any official governmental entity.  

Here is their disclaimer which is difficult for the visitor to their site to read:  

No Affiliation; Waiver of Claims

You acknowledge and agree that Unemployment Benefits Services is not a government agency and is not affiliated with any government agency.  The information provided through the service is provided solely for informational purposes.  The information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified.  YOU AGREE THAT, IN RETURN FOR PERMISSION TO USE THE SERVICE, YOU WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS AGAINST The Unemployment Advisor THAT ARE CONNECTED TO YOUR USE OF THE INFORMATION.  We may include information about government agencies, or other websites and businesses in our information.  The inclusion of any such government agencies, or other websites or businesses in our information does not mean that such agencies, websites, or businesses are affiliated with us or endorse our service.

Texas Workforce Commission • 512-463-8942 • http://www.texasworkforce.org • Equal Opportunity Employer

Relay Texas • 1-800-735-2989 (TDD) • 1-800-735-2988 (Voice) 

 

Fee-for-filing Web Sites

Sites like www.TheUnemploymentAdvisor.com may be technically legal, but they mislead Texas workers who may have lost their jobs and are trying to file their unemployment claims.  Texas workers – Don’t be fooled by these misleading “unemployment claim” sites.  

Instead, this is what Texans who are filing for unemployment insurance need to do:  Those who have lost their jobs should first “register as a job seeker” on TWC’s WorkinTexas.org. where a log-in name and password will be created.  After registering, job seekers can then file an unemployment insurance claim on  www. texasworkforce.org Web site by clicking the “Apply for Benefits” link, and using the same User ID name and password from WorkinTexas.com

If access to a computer is limited, claimants may also call the appropriate TWC Tele-center from the box below.  After filing a claim TWC will mail a benefit statement within 3 to 4 weeks detailing the claimant’s reported wages, eligibility, and the determined benefit amount to be granted.

Call Monday – Friday, 7 a.m.  – 7 p.m. for all unemployment insurance services. Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Central to take new claims, reset PINs, and address changes only.

Austin local: (512) 340-4300

Dallas local: (972) 339-6200

El Paso local: (915) 832-6400

Fort Worth local: (817) 420-1600

Houston local: (281) 983-1100

McAllen local: (956) 984-4700

San Antonio local: (210) 258-6600

Others call toll free: 1-800-939-6631

The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the programs it offers in unison with its network of local workforce development boards, call (512) 463-8556 or visit www.texasworkforce.org.