The Texas Workforce Commission warns Texas job seekers to be aware of false employment scams! During this difficult time after Harvey, it's hard to believe anyone could be so heartless and try to harm others, but scams are still out there! The TWC advises all Texas residents to please be aware of scams that involve individuals posing as potential employers in order to collect money in exchange for non-existent jobs.
Some fake employers have even used the names of established businesses and interviewed job candidates in legitimate meeting spaces in order to scam individuals out of money. False employment scams can happen online, by phone or in person. Some scammers post fake job notices on legitimate job-matching websites and some have met and interviewed job seekers in public places. In all cases, the job seeker received promises of employment and a request for some type of up-front payment. Job seekers should never cash checks from businesses or purchase any equipment, licenses, certifications, starter kits, or software packages from them unless they have verified that the company and the offer are legitimate.
Employers will never ask for money as a condition for starting work. Job seekers should also never provide personal information to an employer unless they have had a face-to-face meeting at the worksite or contacted the company’s human resource office to verify the offer. Personal information includes the name of your bank, credit card, bank account or social security numbers. For more information about potential employment scams visit: www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0243-job-scams
TWC safeguards personal information on WorkInTexas.com by using stringent online security measures and by screening job seekers and employers registered through the site. Site activity is continually monitored and when suspicious activity is detected, immediate action is taken to lock accounts and contact the parties involved. TWC validates employers registered on the site to ensure that accounts and/or job postings are from legitimate businesses.
Job seekers who suspect that a job posting on WorkInTexas.com is not authentic, are asked to report it immediately by clicking on the Report a Problem with this Job Posting link located at the bottom of the job posting page on the right hand side. The job posting and/or employer will be reviewed for authenticity by workforce staff. TWC encourages individuals to check their bank or other online accounts for unusual activity if they suspect they are victims of a similar scam. To report suspicious activity, please call TWC’s Fraud and Program Abuse Hotline at 800-252-3642. To avoid becoming a victim of scams, visit the Texas Office of the Attorney General online at www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/scams.shtml or www.onguardonline.gov/, managed by the Federal Trade Commission.
Stay scam free Texas!!
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).
Applications can be taken online through Unemployment Benefit Services or by calling a TWC Tele-Center Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 800-939-6631. http://www.twc.state.tx.us/jobseekers/disaster-unemployment-assistance
If you live in, work in, or travel through one of the following counties, you must apply for benefits by September 27, 2017: Aransas, Bee, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Harris, Jackson, Kleberg, Liberty, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria, and Wharton Counties. http://www.twc.state.tx.us/jobseekers/disaster-unemployment-assistance
2nd Set of Counties Added, with later deadline Individuals who live in, work in, or travel through the following counties may also apply for DUA benefits by September 29, 2017: Colorado, Fayette, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Montgomery, Newton, Orange, Sabine, San Jacinto and Waller Counties. . TWC’s website contains more information about Disaster Unemployment Assistance. http://www.twc.state.tx.us/jobseekers/disaster-unemployment-assistance
[Airbnb] (https://www.airbnb.com/disaster/hurricaneharveyevacuees) is waiving fees for those affected by Harvey as individuals open their homes to those in need.
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Houston needs us now more than ever to help rebuild this great city! The wreckage can be overwhelming to look at, but even in hard times like these I believe there can be positive opportunities!
I came across Slate's article "The U.S. Might Not Have Enough Construction Workers to Rebuild Houston After Harvey" and thought this would be great to share with people looking for work, specifically in construction. For those in the industry, what a great opportunity to gain work experience while helping this wonderful city and its people bounce back stronger than ever!
You may be eligible to receive: rental payments for temporary housing, unemployment payments, loans to cover residential losses not covered by insurance, and grants for home repairs and replacement of personal property, as well as other disaster-related needs. Applicants may apply for help from FEMA by registering [here] (https://www.disasterassistance.gov/) OR by calling (800) 621-FEMA (3362).
Find out how to apply for Texas Disaster Unemployment Assistance [here] (http://kfdm.com/news/local/missed-work-because-of-the-storm-apply-for-texas-disaster-unemployment-assistance)
Are you a Nurse or Medical Professional who wants to provide relief for Hurricane Harvey victims? Please read through this article for info on how to get involved in healing the citizens of Houston.
Good Morning:
It is oddly quiet at the office today. People can't get to work because they are out of gas.
Hurricane Harvey, though 400 miles away from Dallas-Fort Worth, has buried the refineries in Houston under water. Refinery production has come to a halt. Labor Day travel in conjunction with refinery stoppage has resulted in a gas shortage in Texas.
Gas stations all over DFW are sold out of gas, lines stretch out for over a mile as people clamor to fill up their tanks. The panic of a gas shortage is exacerbating the issue.
This morning, the gas station by my house was sold out of everything except the ultra-premium. It cost me over 3.00 per gallon but I filled up. I never thought I would be one of the only people at the office because people don't have enough fuel to get to work.
It reminds me of the gas shortages of the late 70s and early 80s. There were even instances of tempers getting out of hand at the pumps.
Are other states seeing shortages?
does anyone have a # or connections to help those in houston area clean up?