FORT WAYNE, IN — The Better Business Bureau serving Northern Indiana has issued a warning to consumers about a new text message scam posing as the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

In previous years, scammers have preyed on individuals who had applied for unemployment benefits. In the new text scam, reported to BBB in March, consumers receive a text from DWD claiming to have a $3,800 payment available for returning to work, as part of a program called “Back2Work.”

The message claims that the money will be direct deposited once the user clicks the link in the text message.

The texts come from an out-of-state area code but contain a link that looks as if it's from the State of Indiana.

The links may contain malware, which could access sensitive information on your device and result in possible identity theft.

The DWD confirmed they will not ask to verify information via text. They encourage those who receive this text not to click on any links and delete any text claiming to be from DWD.

If the link is clicked, it is possible the scammer will have access to information on the user’s device which could allow access to take over an unemployment claim or other personal information.

If you spot a scam, whether you've lost money or not, report it to BBB’s Scam Tracker at BBB.org/ScamTracker and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.