Latest job reports defy economic gravity
The latest jobs reports seem to continue to defy economic gravity. Despite the bank scare, massive tech layoffs and a slowing economy, the job market remains robust with 236,000 new jobs with unemployment at rock bottom; 3.6%.
California EDD accuses approved applicants of fraud, garnishes wages to get money back
The EDD is accusing some pandemic-era claimants of fraud and demanding repayment, years after their applications were approved. In some cases, current wages are being garnished to claw back the unemployment money, even before appeals are filed.
California job market: Is a cold front coming in?
Evidence is mounting that changes in the California job market may be catching up with years of unfettered success and job growth. It is a very mixed situation.
'EDD' rapper who bragged about unemployment fraud sentenced to 6 years in prison
"Nuke Bizzle" abused the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program to collect more than $700,000, then bragged about it in rap songs, prosecutors say.
Despite layoffs, one million California jobs remain open
Executive outplacement company Challenger, Gray & Christmas says layoffs more than doubled last month. But with unemployment at just 3.7%, and continuing to decrease, a more in depth and in perspective look at the numbers is important.
How tough is California's jobs market really?
Don't let those high profile tech layoffs fool you about the Golden State's overall job market.
High-tech tug of war
Lawyer and former EDD director Michael Bernick said the more layoffs, means the more competition. There are currently 45,000 open high-tech jobs in California.
New hiring in California takes a dive
California's employment picture appears to be dimming a bit. Here's why.
Woman charged with benefits scam using Scott Peterson's name
A California woman was charged with using the names of convicted killers, including Scott Peterson, to collect more than $145,000 in fraudulent unemployment benefits — a small but headline-grabbing part of more than $20 billion stolen in similar scams during the coronavirus pandemic, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Californian sentenced for $27M phony COVID aid attempt
A Southern California man who tried to obtain $27 million in unemployment benefits by falsely claiming his business was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic was sentenced Tuesday to more than 11 years in federal prison.
Unusual trends in job market contribute to inflation
There are some fascinating but scary crosswinds blowing though the labor force; winds that also seem to be fueling inflation.
24-year-old California EDD contract worker helped 10 steal $2.7M: feds
Federal prosecutors have indicted 10 people for allegedly stealing $2.7 million in unemployment funds with the help of California EDD contract worker.
Scammers send phishing texts claiming to be California EDD or Bank of America
Text messages are being sent by fraudsters claiming to be the EDD or Bank of America with a goal of stealing personal account information and money tied to California unemployment benefits.
EDD must now expand language access to non-English speakers
A group of California advocates are claiming victory after reaching a settlement with the EDD over providing more language services to non-English speakers. Among the key provisions is $21 million to enhance multilingual services.
Letters out to verify frozen EDD disability claims, delays persist
Amid a leadership change at the California EDD, legitimate disability insurance claimants who were suddenly cut off say they're still unable to get their benefits, despite asking lawmakers for help or trying to communicate with the troubled department.
California man charged with stealing $1M in COVID benefits
A California man has been charged with illegally obtaining unemployment benefits amounting to more than $1 million.
California's EDD director announces resignation, governor to swear in successor Tuesday
The director of California’s Employment Development Department is stepping down, a little more than a year after she was hired to clean up the embattled department.
Disability claims still in limbo as California EDD battles fraud
As scammers target California's disability insurance program, numerous legitimate claimants have had their benefits cut off after the Employment Development Department froze their claims.
California EDD freezes 345,000 disability insurance claims
California's Employment Development Department has frozen 345,000 claims for disability benefits while it investigates fraud and a widespread identity theft scam. The EDD's suspicions were piqued by a sudden surge in applications for benefits.
Former USC football player charged in COVID-19 unemployment benefits fraud scheme
Former USC football player Abdul-Malik McClain allegedly organized and assisted a group of other USC football players in filing fraudulent claims for hundreds of thousands of dollars of COVID-19 unemployment benefits.