JACKSONVILLE, Fla — A First Coast man is struggling to receive unemployment benefits after he said his CONNECT account was hacked into, which resulted in his money getting stolen. The Department of Economic Opportunity said it would investigate the incident, but he said to this day, he hasn't received a dime or any answers.
In May, Robert Nobrega contacted DEO and was told his account's banking information was changed and his benefits have been deposited into a different bank account.
However, a call made to him shortly after made him believe the issue would be resolved right away.
“About four and a half weeks ago, I got a call from a restricted number,” Nobrega said.
The voicemail said it was from Jonathan Satter, the head of DEO.
“I want to make sure you know I’m going to look into this case myself,” the voicemail said.
Nobrega said he thought this was his saving grace.
When he got connected with the fraud team shortly after, Nobrega said DEO pointed a finger at him as the potential reason he was hacked.
“Someone asked me for my PIN number, and they told me, ‘you shouldn’t do that. That wasn’t the right thing to do,’” Nobrega said.
In fact, Nobrega said he gave his PIN number to a DEO call center agent who asked for it on the phone when he was inquiring about the missing funds.
“It’s crazy that someone at DEO is finger-pointing at me saying I shouldn’t have done anything when I am desperate for my money and I’m calling their telephone number,” Nobrega said. “People they hired.”
Nobrega said DEO then told him those calls would be tracked and investigated. He said he hasn’t heard a word about those calls since.
“No one is taking my call,” Nobrega said. “And these are people that gave me their direct numbers in Tallahassee that are in the fraud unit and are supposed to be working on my case.”
First Coast News asked DEO if there is an internal investigation for Nobrega's case. In a statement, they said:
"The Department has been in contact with Mr. Nobrega multiple times. We recommend that claimants verify that their information is complete and accurate in CONNECT. Reemployment Assistance Customer Service Representatives do not have access to the claimant’s banking information. Individuals who suspect fraud should report it immediately, fraud is real and the Department of Economic Opportunity wants ALL Reemployment Assistance claimants to be vigilant about ensuring their information in CONNECT account is accurate. If a claimant notices that their information is inaccurate or has been changed they should report it to the Department immediately. The Department has information about Reemployment Assistance Scams and Identity Theft located here. In addition, claimants can report fraud or potential scams by calling the Customer Service Center at 1 (833) FL APPLY or emailing ReportRAScam@deo.myflorida.com."
Meanwhile, Nobrega said he is falling behind on his bills as he waits at DEO’s will.
“We’re at almost 40 days,” Nobrega said. "The DEO needs to get their act together and fast.”