What You Should Know about Unemployment Scammers

Employment departments across the nation have seen unimaginable fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both regular unemployment and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance have come under attack from domestic and foreign scammers.

California’s Employment Develop Department (EDD) has sharply reduced fraud with new security and identity verification measures, but scammers will continue to attempt attacks as new relief measures to address economic damage are rolled out.

Protect yourself Scammers use your information to apply for unemployment in your name. By being watchful, you can help stop them.

The EDD or its contractors will never communicate with you via Telegram or WhatsApp.

Beware of:

• Romance scams. Includes fake dating profiles or people who immediately ask for money.

• Job opportunities. Legitimate employers are highly unlikely to hire via 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