Calif. Sees Suspicious Surge in Jobless Claims

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California reported a significant surge in unemployment claims last week for independent contractors that has raised concerns about a return of widespread fraud that already cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars.

The U.S. Labor Department says California received an additional 77,000 claims last week compared with a week earlier under a program designed to help gig workers and the self-employed affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

The number accounted for more than a quarter of all such claims submitted nationally.

The state Employment Development Department says it expected the increase after Congress approved an extension of benefits in December.