The EDD's Response to Fraud Archive
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At the EDD, we are dedicated to fighting fraud and protecting benefits for California workers in need.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced an unprecedented surge of fraud attempts, particularly in new, federal pandemic benefit programs, which lacked traditional safeguards in an effort to get benefits to workers who needed them. We responded by developing and implementing a strategic plan to:
- Detect and prevent fraud and other criminal activities.
- Investigate and prosecute criminals.
- Recover lost funds.
- Help victims of identity theft related to benefit claims.
Since 2020, our efforts have prevented more than $125 billion in attempted fraud.
We encourage our claimants to remain vigilant and safeguard financial and personal information to help prevent fraud, including identity theft. To learn more, visit Help Fight Fraud.
Fraud Prevention
We work with local, state, and federal law enforcement to prevent fraud, hold fraudsters accountable, and recover lost funds for the Department and taxpayers.
News Articles
“Former Mail Carrier and Co-Schemer Who Lived on His Mail Delivery Route Each Sentenced to Nearly 3½ Years in Prison for COVID Fraud”
– U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, December 12, 2022
"Los Angeles Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for Stealing Nearly $5.5 Million in COVID Jobless Relief and for Drug Trafficking"
– U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, November 14, 2022
"Attorney General Bonta Announces Arrest of EDD Fraud Suspect Alleged to Have Stolen Identities of Scott Peterson, Cary Stayner"
– California Department of Justice, October 19, 2022
"Employment Development Department Reminds Californians to Guard Against Identity Theft “ Smishing ” Scams"
– Employment Development Department, October 18, 2022
“Rapper Who Bragged About COVID-Related Jobless Benefits Scam Agrees to Plead Guilty to Federal Fraud and Firearm Charges”
– U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, July 6, 2022
“Six Defendants Arrested on Federal Grand Jury Indictment Alleging They Fraudulently Obtained $2 Million in COVID-19 Jobless Benefits”
– U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, July 6, 2022
"Postal Service Mail Carrier Arrested on Federal Complaint Alleging Scheme to Fraudulently Obtain Nearly $800,000 in Jobless Benefits"
– U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, May 26, 2022
“Woman Serving Life Prison Sentence Allegedly Led Ring that Used Stolen Identities to Apply for Pandemic Unemployment Benefits”
– U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, May 17, 2022