EDD fraud refers to fraudulent activities associated with the Employment Development Department (EDD), particularly involving unemployment benefits. EDD fraud has become a significant issue, especially during times of economic hardship or crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic, when the volume of unemployment claims increases dramatically. EDD fraud poses a serious challenge to unemployment systems, but through a combination of technology, vigilance, and legal action, it can be mitigated.

What can consumers do?

• Report False Claims
  The best way to report false claims is by visiting Ask EDD and selecting the Report Fraud category to submit a Fraud Reporting Form online. You can also fax 1-866-340-5484 or call the EDD Fraud Hotline at 1-800-229-6297 (for reporting fraud only).
• When reporting fraud:
  Provide all relevant information about the issue. Include your name and phone number if you don’t want to remain anonymous. You will not receive a call from the EDD unless more information is needed. Send any fraudulent documents or mail them to EDD PO Box 826880, MIC 43, Sacramento, CA 94280-0225. You can also write “Return to Sender” on the envelope and provide it to your mail carrier. If you need to provide more information after reporting fraud, contact the EDD again. Include the reference number provided when you first reported the issue. Note: To ensure the confidentiality and integrity of any investigation, the EDD does not provide status updates unless court-ordered or required by law.
• Protect yourself from Identity Theft & EDD Fraud!
  Check to see if there has been an account with EDD opened under your name without your permission. If it has, make a police report in the jurisdiction where you live immediately and report that fraud to EDD at EDD.ca.gov. Also, be vigilant and check your credit reports regularly through the Credit Agencies and immediately investigate any accounts in your name that you did not open. Make police reports if your identifying information has been compromised even if you are not aware of any losses. You may even want to freeze your credit. Do this for your children as well. For tips to protect yourself from Identity Theft and EDD Fraud,  click here. Prevention is the best protection.

Jeff Derman

Chief Deputy District Attorney