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EDD overpayment notice - how to tell if marked as fraud or non-fraud?

I just received an overpayment notice from EDD for $4,250 from benefits paid earlier this year. I'm freaking out because I don't know if they're considering this fraud or just a regular overpayment. The letter doesn't specifically say 'fraud' anywhere, but there's a penalty amount listed. Does that automatically mean they think I committed fraud? The consequences seem really different depending on which type it is. How can I figure this out before I respond? Has anyone dealt with this and knows how to tell the difference?

Natalie Wang

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check if theres a 30% penalty added to the amount. if there is, they consider it fraud. no penalty = non-fraud. also look at the notice code, should be something like 802 or 803

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Michael Adams

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Thanks for the quick response. There is an additional amount labeled as 'penalty' so I guess that means they are considering it fraud. The code on my notice is 807. Does that confirm it too?

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Noah Torres

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To determine if your overpayment is classified as fraud or non-fraud, look for these indicators: 1. A 30% penalty amount means it's considered fraud 2. The notice should have a section titled "Reason for Overpayment" that explains their determination 3. Check the notice code - codes in the 800 series typically indicate potential fraud determinations If it's marked as fraud, you should consider appealing within 30 days if you believe the determination is incorrect. Non-fraud overpayments have more flexible repayment options and don't carry the same penalties or potential disqualification periods. I'd recommend calling EDD to get clarity directly from them. You can specifically ask if it's classified as fraud and what options you have.

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Michael Adams

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Thank you for the detailed explanation. I see the 30% penalty and the 807 code, so it looks like they're calling it fraud. The reason section says something about "providing false information" but I honestly just made a mistake on my certification. I'll definitely appeal this.

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Samantha Hall

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Having dealt with this exact situation, I can tell you that an 807 notice with a penalty amount definitely means they've classified it as fraud. You need to act quickly: 1. File your appeal ASAP - don't wait the full 30 days 2. Gather any evidence showing your mistake was unintentional (emails, texts, anything proving you were confused about reporting requirements) 3. Write a clear statement explaining exactly what happened In my case, I had incorrectly reported some side gig income thinking it didn't count since it wasn't regular employment. I was able to get the fraud determination overturned to non-fraud by proving it was an honest misunderstanding of the certification questions.

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Ryan Young

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This happened to my roommate too! He got the fraud overturned but still had to pay back the original amount, which sucked but at least no penalty or disqualification thing.

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Sophia Clark

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THEY DID THIS TO ME TOO!! EDD is just slapping fraud labels on EVERYTHING to scare people!!! I got a notice saying I committed fraud because I accidentally put the wrong date when I returned to work (was off by ONE WEEK). How is that fraud??? The system is designed to trip people up and then punish them!

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While I understand your frustration, it's important to note that EDD doesn't automatically label all mistakes as fraud. They do distinguish between willful misrepresentation and unintentional errors. That's why the appeal process exists - to allow claimants to explain their situation. In many cases, with proper documentation and a clear explanation, fraud determinations can be overturned to non-fraud overpayments.

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Madison Allen

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I've been trying to call EDD for 3 weeks about my overpayment issue and can't get through at all. Always get the "we're experiencing high call volume" message and then it hangs up. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to a human there? I'm getting desperate since my appeal deadline is coming up soon.

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Joshua Wood

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Try using Claimyr - it's the only thing that worked for me after two weeks of constant redial hell. They basically place the call for you and notify you when an agent is about to pick up. Saved me so much time and stress. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. When I finally got through, I was able to explain my situation and get my overpayment reclassified from fraud to non-fraud, which made a huge difference in the repayment terms.

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Michael Adams

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Update: I managed to get through to EDD this morning after calling right when they opened. The rep confirmed it's classified as fraud because they think I intentionally underreported my earnings in February. I explained that I misunderstood how to report my gig work since I had multiple small jobs that month. She suggested I file an appeal and bring documentation showing all my earnings and explain the confusion. Going to work on that appeal letter today. Thanks everyone for your help!

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Samantha Hall

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Great that you got through! Make sure your appeal letter is very specific about WHY you misunderstood the reporting requirements. Don't just say "I made a mistake" - explain exactly what confused you about the certification questions. And bring printed copies of ALL your earnings documentation to the hearing. Good luck!

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Something important that hasn't been mentioned yet: if your overpayment is classified as non-fraud, you can request a waiver if repayment would cause financial hardship. This isn't available for fraud overpayments. So it's definitely worth appealing if you have a legitimate case that your error was unintentional. For the appeal hearing, make sure to: 1. Dress professionally 2. Bring organized documentation 3. Practice explaining your situation clearly and concisely 4. Emphasize any confusing instructions or situations that led to your misreporting 5. Show that you've been cooperative in the process Many judges are reasonable if they can see you made an honest mistake rather than trying to game the system.

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Michael Adams

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Thank you for this advice. I didn't know about the waiver option for non-fraud cases. That makes it even more important for me to get this overturned. I've started gathering all my documentation and will definitely follow your tips for the hearing.

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Natalie Wang

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one more thing - if u have a fraud determination, ur usually disqualified from benefits for like 5-15 weeks next time u need to file. thats what happend to my cousin last yr

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Noah Torres

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This is correct. A fraud determination typically comes with a disqualification period that would apply to future claims. This is called a "false statement disqualification" or "penalty weeks" and can range from 5 to 23 weeks depending on the circumstances. This is yet another reason why appealing an incorrect fraud determination is so important.

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