Key takeaways
- Real EDD websites end in "ca.gov". Don't trust links to any other address.
- EDD texts come only from specific short codes, and EDD never contacts you on Telegram, WhatsApp or social media.
- EDD doesn't need access to your bank account and will never ask for your password.
Scammers target people waiting on unemployment, disability and family leave payments. They send fake texts, make spoof calls and set up lookalike websites to steal your myEDD login, identity or bank details. Here's how EDD says to protect yourself.
Check the website address
- Official EDD pages are on edd.ca.gov. EDD advises: don't trust websites that don't end with "ca.gov".
- Criminals create fake unemployment websites that copy EDD's look to capture usernames and passwords. Type edd.ca.gov yourself instead of tapping a link.
- This site, an independent guide, is not EDD. We never ask for your login, Social Security number or claim details.
Know the official text numbers
According to EDD, its text messages come only from:
| Program | Official EDD short codes |
|---|---|
| Unemployment | 510-74 or 918-06 |
| Disability and Paid Family Leave | 35954 or 95937 |
Even then, don't reply to texts asking for information, and don't tap links in unexpected messages. Log in to your account directly instead.
What EDD will never do
- Never communicate with you through Telegram or WhatsApp, or contact you through social media.
- Never need access to your personal bank account.
- Never ask for your username or password. Don't share them with anyone.
Phone calls from EDD may show "St of CA EDD" or 1-800-300-5616, but scammers can fake caller ID. If in doubt, hang up and contact EDD through edd.ca.gov.
If you think you've been scammed
- Change your myEDD password right away, and the password on any account that used the same one.
- Report the fraud to EDD through the fraud reporting page on edd.ca.gov.
- Contact your bank if you shared card or account details.
- Consider a credit freeze with the three credit bureaus if you shared your Social Security number.
- Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov.
Red flags: a 30-second check
Treat a message as a likely scam if any of these are true:
- The link goes to a site that doesn't end in ca.gov.
- A text about your claim comes from a regular phone number, not one of the short codes above.
- It asks you to reply with your password, username, Social Security number or bank details.
- It reaches you through Telegram, WhatsApp, another messaging app or social media.
- It pressures you to act right now or lose your benefits.
- It asks for access to your bank account.
When in doubt, don't tap anything. Open a browser, type edd.ca.gov, and log in to check your account directly.
If someone filed a claim in your name
You might find out because EDD sends you a form or a Form 1099G for benefits you never applied for. EDD lists these ways to report it:
- Online: through AskEDD, choosing Report Personal Fraud.
- Fraud Hotline: 1-800-229-6297.
- A 1099G you didn't apply for: 1-866-401-2849.
EDD lists phone hours of Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except state holidays. If EDD confirms you were a victim, it says it will remove the claim from your Social Security number. Keep copies of everything EDD sends you.
Frequently asked questions
Does EDD send text messages?
Yes, but only from specific short codes. EDD says unemployment texts come from 510-74 or 918-06, and disability and Paid Family Leave texts come from 35954 or 95937. Even then, don't reply with information or tap unexpected links.
How can I tell if an EDD website is real?
Check that the address ends in ca.gov. EDD's own pages are on edd.ca.gov. The safest habit is to type edd.ca.gov into your browser rather than following a link.
Is a call from 1-800-300-5616 really EDD?
It may be. EDD calls can show "St of CA EDD" or 1-800-300-5616, but scammers can fake caller ID. If you're unsure, hang up and contact EDD through edd.ca.gov.
Will EDD ever ask for my password?
No. EDD says it will never ask for your username or password, and it doesn't need access to your personal bank account. Anyone asking for these is not EDD.
What should I do if I clicked a link in a fake EDD text?
Change your myEDD password right away, and on any account that used the same password. Then report it to EDD, contact your bank if you shared card or account details, and consider a credit freeze if you shared your Social Security number.
I got an EDD 1099G but never applied. What do I do?
Report it to EDD as possible identity theft. Use AskEDD and choose Report Personal Fraud, or call 1-866-401-2849. If EDD confirms you were a victim, it will remove the claim from your Social Security number.
Is this website part of EDD?
No. Golden State Explained is an independent guide. We can't see your claim and never ask for your login. To file or certify, use edd.ca.gov; our filing guide explains each step.
Sources
We use primary sources: statutes, court rules, official forms and government pages. Read our editorial standards.