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Help Us Fight Fraud

We take fraud seriously and work hard every day to protect your information. Visit EDD’s Response to Fraud to learn more.

We can't fight fraud alone — we need your help. Did you get a form from us even though you didn’t apply for benefits? Unfortunately, this means someone could have applied using your information. We've made reporting fraud easy.

How to Report Fraud

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Online

Visit us in AskEDD and choose the right option for yourself. If you received a Form 1099G tax form, but did not apply for benefits, select Report Personal Fraud.

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By Phone

For most cases, call our Fraud Hotline at 1-800-229-6297. If you received a Form 1099G tax form, but did not apply for benefits, call 1-866-401-2849. We're open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except state holidays).


Did you get a Form 1099G but didn’t apply for benefits? If we confirm you were a victim of fraud, we’ll remove the claim from your Social Security number and send you a new Form 1099G tax form, if needed.

Tips on Reporting Fraud

There are a few things you can do to make reporting fraud easier.

  • Share all the details you can. Remember, your report will be anonymous unless you include your name or phone number.
  • Send any documents or mail related to the fraud to EDD, PO Box 826880, MIC 43, Sacramento, CA 94280-0225. Or you can write “Return to Sender” on the envelope and give it to your mail carrier.
  • If you forgot something, simply contact us again. Be sure to include the reference number we gave you when you reported fraud the first time.
  • For privacy, we don’t give status updates unless it’s required by law.

How to Avoid Scams

Sometimes scammers will apply for benefits using your personal information. They’ll try to contact you in different ways, including calling, emailing, and texting. We understand this is frustrating and want to give you some peace of mind. Review these helpful tips and see how we will, or won't, try to reach you.

Want these tips in your preferred language? Review Հայերեն, 简体中文, 繁體中文, 한국어, Tagalog, or Tiếng Việt.

We Always

  • Send texts from 510-74 or 918-06 for unemployment and 35954 or 95937 for disability and Paid Family Leave.
  • Send website links that include “edd.ca.gov”.

We Never

  • Contact you through social media or phone apps.
  • Send an EDD representative to your home.

Keep Your Information Safe

  • Never share your username or password with anyone.
  • Don’t give any information to strangers who come to your house.
  • Don’t respond to text messages.
  • Don’t trust websites that don’t end with “ca.gov”.

Current Scams You Should Know About

Unfortunately, scams are getting more sophisticated, and it can be difficult to tell when an offer is honest, or when you could be getting scammed. For an official list of common scams, visit the Office of the Attorney General. Some other scam types you should know about include:

  • Romance scams: includes fake dating profiles or people who immediately ask for money.
  • Job opportunities: real employers don't usually hire by direct message.
  • Cash giveaways, rewards, or prizes: if it sounds too good to be true, it is likely a scam.
  • Offers of unclaimed vehicles or personal property.
  • Fake unemployment websites: criminals trick people into providing their usernames and passwords on fake unemployment websites.
  • Robocalls and impersonators: automated calls or fake agents pretending to be from trusted organizations to steal your information or money.
  • AI-powered schemes: scams using AI to imitate real voices, photos, or messages to trick you into sending money or personal data.
  • Tech support: fraudsters posing as tech support to gain access to your devices or ask for payment to “fix” fake problems.
  • Charity scams: fraudulent groups that pretend to be real charities, often after disasters, to steal donations.
  • Elder fraud: scams that target older adults, often through fake investments, romance, or threats.

How to Avoid Committing Fraud

You’re committing fraud if you:

  • Make a false statement like applying for disability benefits when you’re not really sick or hurt.
  • Provide incorrect information like the wrong Social Security number.
  • Withhold facts like not reporting your work and wages.

Remember, committing fraud has serious consequences including jail, repaying the money you stole, and being disqualified for getting future benefits. Contact us immediately if you may have accidentally committed fraud.

Payroll Tax Fraud

Did you know that payroll taxes have some specific requirements? You’re committing tax fraud if you:

  • Don’t register with the State.
  • Deal in cash only.
  • Intentionally misclassify employees as independent contractors.
  • Don’t report the wages you paid or pay payroll taxes.
  • Use rate manipulations or other kinds of schemes.

For Employers and Physicians/Practioners

Employers and physicians/practioners have a special responsibility to help fight fraud. Contact us right away if your employee or patient:

  • Has never been your employee or patient.
  • Has been terminated, laid off, or has quit their job.
  • Is receiving wages.
  • Hasn’t stopped working.
  • Has filed or plans to file for Workers’ Compensation.
  • Is using the wrong Social Security number.
  • Is working or getting care under another name.
  • Has recovered from their disability or isn’t your patient anymore.

Penalties for Committing Fraud

Giving false information or not sharing important details with us is fraud, and it comes with serious penalties. You could:

  • Be taken to court and charged with a crime by the government.
  • Face jail or prison time.
  • Pay back the benefits you stole, along with extra fines.
  • Lose future tax refunds.
  • Be disqualified for future benefits.

Help Us, Help You. Report Fraud Today.

Your peace of mind is everything. We understand that. Join us and help fight fraud today.

Report Fraud Now