Federal authorities arrested a Valencia man and a U.S Postal Service mail carrier on Thursday, on suspicion of a scheme to steal nearly $800,000 in unemployment insurance. 26-year-old Travis McKenzie and the carrier, 32-year-old Stephen Glover of Palmdale, are anticipated to each face one count of mail fraud, as per the U.S. attorney’s office news release. McKenzie, who lived on Glover’s delivery route, allegedly colluded with Glover between 2020 and 2021. They obtained debit cards using approximately 50 stolen identities to apply for federal unemployment benefits from the California Employment Development Department, claiming job losses due to COVID-19. The department issued cards holding balances that totaled to $798,733. It is estimated that they withdrew at least $318,771 off these cards. Law enforcement served search warrants last spring at the residences of both individuals along with Glover’s girlfriend’s house, where hundreds of pieces of stolen EDD-related mail and 15 debit cards were discovered. Moreover, the officials suggested that the two also committed a similar fraud with the Virginia Employment Commission. Glover is additionally accused of thieving personal and business checks from the mail, amounting to over $20,000. Upon conviction of the single count of mail fraud, both Glover and McKenzie are likely to face 20 years in federal prison.

If you have been a victim of such fraudulent practices or have inquiries about your unemployment benefits, it is essential to know how to get a hold of edd. You can reach out to edd customer service for further assistance. For additional information, you could also visit eddcaller.com for guides on how to call and get through to a live representative. With these resources, you can ensure the secure and proper management of your unemployment benefits.