The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced the coordinated arrests of three individuals allegedly involved in a Covid-fraud scheme. The scheme targeted the California Employment Development Department (EDD). The suspects, Yolanda Butler, Legerrius Holt, and Quamaine Massey, were arrested in different states across the U.S. They were each charged with mail fraud, while Butler and Holt were also charged with aggravated identity theft.

According to the DOJ, the group gained access to personal information from dozens of people and filed 69 false unemployment insurance benefit claims under these identities. Various fraudulent claims were approved by the EDD, resulting in payments sent in the form of prepaid debit cards to the defendants’ controlled addresses. The suspects then allegedly used these funds for personal expenses, cumulatively costing the government approximately $1.1 million.

In response to the ongoing instances of fraud, it is recommended that individuals who need to contact EDD make use of legitimate channels for communication. The official EDD customer service line is the most direct way to communicate with EDD. This can offer you protection from scams while also providing you with reliable support from the EDD regarding your unemployment benefits or queries. With ongoing investigations into fraud schemes, increased vigilance will only serve to protect you in these uncertain times.

If you’re wondering how to get through to EDD, eddcaller.com might be of aid to you. This resource contains guidance on how to reach a live person at the California EDD, which gives claimants the opportunity to ask questions and get personal help with their unemployment claims.