my neighbor went thru this last year. the person who stole his identity also applied for credit cards and bought a CAR using his info! definitely check everything and freeze ur credit not just put alerts

I'm so sorry you're going through this - identity theft is absolutely terrifying! I just wanted to add that you should also check with your bank to see if they can put additional monitoring on your accounts. When my brother dealt with EDD fraud, the thieves also tried to change his direct deposit information to steal future legitimate benefits he might be entitled to. Also, don't forget to check if they filed claims in other states too - some scammers file in multiple states using the same stolen identity. You can search for "[state name] unemployment fraud report" to find the right departments if you want to be thorough. Stay strong - this really is becoming unfortunately common and most people understand you're the victim here, not the perpetrator. Document everything and keep pushing until it's resolved!

UPDATE: I finally got this resolved! After trying everything suggested here, I ended up using Claimyr to get through to an EDD rep after waiting 3 hours on hold. Turns out when I updated my email on ID.me, it created a verification mismatch. The rep had to manually update something on their system and then had me clear my browser and try again. I'm finally back in my account and was able to certify for all my weeks! Thank you everyone for your help!

This is such a relief to see this resolved! I'm dealing with a similar issue right now where I updated my phone number on ID.me and now I'm getting authentication errors. Based on your experience, it sounds like any changes to ID.me can mess up the sync with EDD's system. I'm going to try the phone certification number first to make sure I don't miss my deadline, then work on getting through to a rep. Thanks for sharing your solution - it gives me hope that this can actually be fixed!

UPDATE: I tried the automated phone number that @unemploymentpro suggested, and was able to verify with my SSN and California ID number instead! Then I requested a temporary password be sent to my email. Successfully logged in now. Thanks everyone for your help!

So glad you got it resolved! This is exactly why I always recommend trying the automated phone system first before going through the online reset process. The phone system often has more flexible verification options. For anyone else reading this thread, that automated number (1-866-333-4606) is available 24/7 and can be a real lifesaver when the online system is being difficult. Thanks for updating us with the solution that worked!

One more tip: if you have a complex issue (like identity verification or appeal questions), calling the main line might not help even if you get through. In that case, try these specialized numbers: - For ID.me verification issues: 1-866-401-2849 - For Money Network card problems: 1-866-320-8699 - For overpayment questions: 1-800-676-5737 Also, sometimes the foreign language lines have shorter waits. You can request an English-speaking rep after connecting.

I feel your pain! Just went through this same nightmare last month. Here's what finally worked for me: I used the "comma trick" - call 1-800-300-5616, then when you hear the first menu press 1,2,1 really quickly with commas in between (like 1,,2,,1). The commas create pauses that help you get through the system faster. Also try calling at 8:02 AM exactly - I read somewhere that their system resets right after 8 and there's a brief window before it gets overloaded again. Took me 15 tries but I got through! Don't give up, you've got this! 🙏

Your situation is different - harassment can qualify as good cause if you can document it. Make sure you have specific examples (dates, incidents, any witnesses) and evidence that you reported it internally before quitting. Prepare for your interview by organizing this information clearly. Workplace harassment is treated differently than commute issues under EDD guidelines.

Thank you! I have copies of emails I sent to HR and text messages from coworkers who witnessed some incidents. I'll make sure to have all that ready for my interview.