In this blog post, we will explain what the Unions Refund Scam is, how it works, and what to do if you have fallen victim to it. This scam targets small businesses and tries to trick them into revealing their personal or financial information by claiming that they are entitled to a refund from the unions. We will also provide some tips on how to avoid such scams in the future.
What is the Unions Refund Scam?
The Unions Refund Scam is a type of phishing scam that uses robocalls or automated messages to contact potential victims. The callers pretend to be from a company called “Union Refunds” and claim that the business owners are eligible for a retroactive refund for the W2 employees they had on payroll during 2020 and 2021. They ask the victims to call back a toll-free number (855-685-3101 or 855-977-1975) to confirm their details and receive their refund.
However, there is no such company as “Union Refunds” and the callers are not affiliated with any legitimate unions or organizations. The toll-free numbers are actually part of a scam network that tries to collect personal or financial information from unsuspecting callers. The scammers may use this information to commit identity theft, fraud, or other crimes.
How does the Unions Refund Scam work?
The Unions Refund Scam works by exploiting the trust and curiosity of small business owners who may be struggling financially due to the pandemic. The scammers use spoofed caller ID technology to make it appear that they are calling from a local number (430-270-9236) in Whitesboro, Texas. They also use a recorded message that sounds professional and convincing, using terms like “retroactive”, “refund”, and “W2 employees” to create a sense of urgency and legitimacy.
The scammers hope that the victims will call back the toll-free numbers they provide, thinking that they have nothing to lose and everything to gain by claiming their refund. However, once they call back, they will be asked to provide their personal or financial information, such as their name, address, social security number, bank account number, credit card number, etc. The scammers may also ask for a fee or a deposit to process the refund, which is another red flag.
The scammers may use different tactics to persuade the victims to give up their information, such as:
- Offering a large amount of money as a refund
- Threatening legal action or penalties if the refund is not claimed
- Claiming that the refund is time-sensitive or limited
- Asking for verification of identity or business details
- Pretending to transfer the call to a supervisor or manager
What to do if you have fallen victim?
If you have fallen victim to the Unions Refund Scam, you should take the following steps as soon as possible:
- Hang up the phone and do not call back the toll-free numbers
- Contact your bank and credit card companies and inform them of the scam
- Monitor your bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
- Report the scam to your local police department or state attorney general’s office
- Warn your friends, family, and colleagues about the scam
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Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
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Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
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Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
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Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
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Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
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When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
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On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
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Enable “Scan for Rootkits”
Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.
In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.
Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
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Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.
That’s it — your Windows PC is now clean of trojans, adware, and other malware, and should be back to running smoothly.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
- Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.
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Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
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Open the Malwarebytes setup file
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
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Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
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Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
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Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, your Mac is clean.
That’s it — your Mac is now free of adware, rogue browser extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
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Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options.
This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue.
Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step.
Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue.
Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
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Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
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Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
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Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
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Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
That’s it — your Android phone is now clean — no more malicious apps, adware, or browser redirects.
If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
- Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Stay Protected: Block Ads and Malicious Sites
Now that your device is clean, keep it that way. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
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Conclusion
The Unions Refund Scam is a phishing scam that targets small businesses and tries to trick them into revealing their personal or financial information by claiming that they are entitled to a refund from the unions. The scammers use robocalls or automated messages to contact potential victims and ask them to call back toll-free numbers (855-685-3101 or 855-977-1975) to confirm their details and receive their refund. However, there is no such company as “Union Refunds” and the callers are not affiliated with any legitimate unions or organizations. The toll-free numbers are actually part of a scam network that tries to collect personal or financial information from unsuspecting callers. The scammers may use this information to commit identity theft, fraud, or other crimes.
If you receive such a call, do not disclose your personal or financial information, hang up, and do not call back the telephone number they ask you to call. Report the scam to the FTC and your local authorities and alert your contacts about it. Be vigilant and cautious when dealing with unsolicited calls or messages that offer you money or ask you for information.
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