27 Arrested For Alleged Unemployment Benefits Fraud In Torrance Since Sept. 10

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TORRANCE (CBSLA) — More than two dozen people have been arrested in Torrance since Sept. 10 for alleged unemployment benefits fraud and identity theft, police reported Wednesday.

According to Sgt. Alexander Martinez of the Torrance Police Department, the 27 suspects used stolen identities to obtain California Employment Development Department unemployment benefits, and 130 EDD cards were recovered, along with $150,000 and four handguns, including two without serial numbers.

"Most debit cards were issued in third parties' names, including identity theft victims, with a value of up to $20,000," Martinez said. "The suspects possessed numerous cards and would often use the cards to make high-end purchases and make cash withdrawals from ATMs."

Martinez urged anyone who receives a letter from the EDD without applying for benefits to call their local police department, even if it's for someone who does not live at the residence, Martinez said.