New Elgin police resource officer helping unemployment fraud victims

With fraudulent unemployment claims running rampant in Illinois, the Elgin Police Department's newest community outreach specialist is reaching out to area seniors who think they may be victims of bogus claims.

Maria Borrero appeared on police Chief Ana Lalley's weekly radio program Friday. Borrero said most of the calls coming to her office since she joined the department in January are related to online scams - specifically unemployment claims.

"There are scammers out there that are trying to obtain benefits," Borrero said. "They don't discriminate. And seniors are a vulnerable population. They're often targeted."

A February report by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General estimated as much as $63 billion in fraudulent nationwide unemployment claims during the COVID-19 pandemic. In January, the Illinois Department of Employment Security said they've recorded 1 million fraud claims since March 2020.

Borrero said Elgin residents who have received unemployment letters or debit cards regarding unemployment claims they didn't file can contact her for help at (847) 289-2533 or through email at borrero_m@cityofelgin.org

She is also able to help residents with in-person visits, if necessary.

"We take these scams very seriously," she said. "We want to help agencies that are experiencing a higher amount of fraud with whatever tools we can use."

Borrero is also spearheading a new, Spanish-speaking initiative for the department to help spread the word about Elgin Police Department resources and events to those who prefer Spanish communication. More information about that program is available on the Elgin Police Department's website by clicking on "en Espanol."

"I want people from all sorts of backgrounds to feel comfortable and safe reaching out to us," Borrero said.