(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Police Department is sending a warning regarding an unemployment scam circulating in the local area.

Over the past few weeks, Police Chief John Defore said, in a news release, that the Police Department has received several calls from local residents about fraudulent unemployment claims being filed in their name.

Defore said personal information, including social security numbers, dates of birth, and names have been obtained in order for the would-be thieves to file such a claim.

Defore said the Kansas Department of Labor is aware of the scam.

He reminds residents to always protect personal identification by not using it over the internet on unprotected or unsecure web transactions. Personal information should never be provided to unknown callers over the telephone.

With the holidays coming, Defore said scammers and thieves are working overtime to steal your money and your identity.

Those with questions or who think that you may be a victim of a scam or theft, should call your local law enforcement agency. 

Should you experience being a victim of Identity Theft, the Hiawatha Police Department suggests the following:

1. Notify/alert your current employer

2. File a Police Report with your local Police Department.

3. File a fraud alert at www.ReportFraud.ks.gov

4. File an Identity Theft alert with the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov)

5. Notify your banking institutions-follow their suggestions regarding closing your accounts

6. If your Social Security Number was used-contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-269-0271