RIVERSIDE – (INT) – Local authorities say the California Employment Development Department (EDD) has been completely overwhelmed with the dramatic increase in unemployment fraud cases.

Normally, the EDD investigates such cases. But, Riverside (RPD) police say local law enforcement agencies are now investigating the frauds occurring within their own jurisdictions. The RPD has responded to hundreds of incidents of EDD fraud reported in its city with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Investigators say a 31-year-old woman used several victims’ identities to fraudulently acquire EDD unemployment benefits. She was arrested when she showed up at a Riverside on a separate case involving theft and fraud charges.

Story Date: October 27, 2020