Being unemployed sucks, as most anyone who's ever been there will tell you. What sucks even more is trying to subsist on your unemployment checks while wondering when a job will open up.

Following that theme, getting tricked by a scammer who promises you more money on your unemployment checks while you're dealing with being unemployed is near the pinnacle of things that suck. But, that's what's been happening here in the Rockford area and throughout the State of Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has sent out an email warning of yet another attempt by scammers to rip you off and get your personal information, no matter how much you've been suffering due to unemployment. This one seems like it could be very effective because it begins by telling you that an additional $1,400 has been added to your unemployment benefits.

ABC-7 Chicago:

IDES urges anyone who receive this type of email not to click on the link provided. Doing so will allow the fraudsters access to your personal information. Always check the sender of the email and delete it if you believe the email to be fraudulent.

That's what makes it potentially more dangerous than some of the other scams we've seen. Why? Because you don't have to do anything to make it happen, other than clicking on a link that will ask your for some information to seal the deal. Other scams will ask potential victims to grab gift cards to pay off the perps, some will send you a phony debit card that supposedly has your benefits attached, and so on. All you have to do to "guarantee" your extra $1,400 is give them some info. Really easy stuff.

However, when you do that, the scammer has your ID and other important things like your Social Security Number, and you, to quote Willy Wonka, get nothing. That's not entirely true, you will get years of headaches that come with having your personal information stolen.

IDES, after pointing out that this is a "phishing scheme," offers this advice if you get a note making the $1,400 offer:

Individuals who receive this type of email should not click on the link provided because doing so will allow the fraudster(s) access to personal information. Individuals should check the source of the email (the sender), the information contained in the email, and once confirming it is a phishing scheme, delete the email. Never click on any link you receive (either via text or email) if you do not and cannot trust the sender."

LOOK: Here are 25 ways you could start saving money today

These money-saving tips—from finding discounts to simple changes to your daily habits—can come in handy whether you have a specific savings goal, want to stash away cash for retirement, or just want to pinch pennies. It’s never too late to be more financially savvy. Read on to learn more about how you can start saving now. [From: 25 ways you could be saving money today]

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