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Fake websites targeting SecureAccess Washington (SAW) users

Last updated Monday, November 20, 2023, at 3:35 p.m.

Customers who used a search engine to access SecureAccess Washington (SAW) may have fallen victim to a phishing scam. The scam uses sponsored ads that link to different spoofed, or fake, SAW websites that can compromise their personal information. Here’s an example of what the fake websites could look like. 

ESD is working with WaTech to protect customers
Customers should make sure their SAW accounts are secure.  

Secure your SAW account
Access your SAW account from Paid Leave’s website: Log in – Washington State’s Paid Family and Medical Leave. Do not use a search engine to get to the SAW login page.

If you cannot access your SAW account:
Call Paid Family and Medical Leave at 833-717-2273 between 8:30 a.m and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding holidays.

If you can log into your SAW account:
• Reset and change your email account password.
• Make sure all devices, email addresses and phone numbers used in multi-factor authentication, sometimes called two-step verification, are yours. Remove any unknown devices, email addresses or phone numbers.
• Reset your SAW password if you have not done so already.

Check other accounts connected to SAW
Check your SAW account for any other services or programs that you access through SAW. It’s also good practice to update your computer’s security software. Then run a scan and remove anything it identifies as a problem. Find more consumer advice on the Federal Trade Commission’s website.

About multi-factor authentication
The most secure MFA method is using an authenticator application. Authenticator applications, or apps, download to your device and generate secure six-digit codes you use to sign into your account.
After authenticator apps, text/SMS messages provide the next best security. The least secure MFA is email.