EDD identity theft - can't report fraud through online portal and phone number never answers

You need to try multiple reporting methods simultaneously. I went through the same nightmare last year when someone filed a claim using my info while I was fully employed. Here's what finally worked: 1. File an official identity theft report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov 2. Contact your local police department and file a report (get a copy with case number) 3. Send a written fraud report to EDD via certified mail with return receipt to: Employment Development Department, PO Box 826880, Sacramento, CA 94280 4. Include copies of your photo ID, proof of address, and the police report 5. Also send the same package to EDD's Investigation Division, PO Box 826880, MIC 43, Sacramento, CA 94280-0225 It took about 5 weeks, but they finally marked my account as fraudulent and stopped the claim. You should also freeze your credit with all three bureaus immediately.

omg same thing happened to my sister and she couldn't get anyone on the phone either. she ended up having to send like 10 different letters and it took foreverrrrr to get fixed. EDD is seriously the worst!!!! good luck

I successfully resolved an identity theft issue with EDD last month, but it wasn't easy. The fraud reporting tool on their website kept timing out for me too. After weeks of failed attempts calling their regular numbers, I finally got through to a live agent using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this service that essentially holds your place in line so you don't have to keep redialing. There's a video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD rep I spoke with transferred me directly to their identity theft department. Make sure you have all your personal documentation ready (ID, SSN card, utility bill, etc.) when you call. The agent will need to verify you're the real you. They also guided me through filing a Form 2362E (Affidavit of Identity Theft), which you should definitely submit.

its happening to EVERYONE right now... EDD systems are a joke lol. my cousin had same prob and ended up paying some lawyer $800 to fix it bc he couldnt get thru on phone

This is increasingly common, unfortunately. Beyond what others have suggested, you should also contact: 1. The California Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit: https://oag.ca.gov/idtheft 2. The IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit: 1-800-908-4490 (They can place a special marker on your tax file) I work with tax issues, and EDD fraud can absolutely impact your tax situation if not addressed properly. The fraudster is essentially reporting income under your SSN. Make sure you save ALL documentation of your fraud reports and communications with agencies. When you file your taxes next year, you may need to include Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) with your return. I also strongly recommend setting up an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) for next year's tax filing: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

my neighbor had this happen and he said the ID theft department actually has a separate email: InternalFraud@edd.ca.gov - maybe try that???

I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS FOR 5 MONTHS!!! EDD is COMPLETELY USELESS!!! I've sent DOZENS of emails, called HUNDREDS of times, and even went IN PERSON to an EDD office (where they told me they couldn't help with fraud cases - WTF???). The ONLY thing that worked was filing a formal complaint with my state representative's office. They have caseworkers who specialize in EDD issues and can cut through the red tape. Google your district's assembly member and senator - both offices have constituent services that can help. I went from 5 months of nothing to a resolution in 10 days after my assembly member's office got involved. DON'T TRUST EDD TO HANDLE THIS EFFICIENTLY ON THEIR OWN!!! They are SWAMPED with fraud cases!!!

One more crucial step: Once you've reported the fraud, monitor your credit reports closely for at least a year. The person who stole your identity for EDD fraud may try to use your information for other types of fraud as well. You're entitled to free weekly credit reports through April 2025 at www.annualcreditreport.com from all three major credit bureaus. Set calendar reminders to check them regularly.

Update: I tried several of the suggestions here this morning. After trying to call EDD directly and getting nowhere, I used Claimyr and actually got through to a real person within 30 minutes! The agent transferred me to their fraud department where I reported everything. They're sending me the Form 2362E to complete, and I also filed the FTC report and froze my credit at all three bureaus. Still need to file the police report tomorrow. Thank you everyone for your help - I feel like I'm finally making progress!