Investigators learned earlier this month that people were using stolen identities to fraudulently obtain EDD benefits loaded onto debit cards, which can be as high as $20,000, according to the Beverly Hills Police Department.
RELATED: EDD fraud: CA woman's stolen information used to collect thousands in unemployment benefits
[Ads /]
Cardholders can withdraw up to $1,000 a day per card.
"Suspects have traveled primarily out of state to obtain these fraudulent EDD cards in California,'' the Police Department said in a statement. The suspects allegedly used the cards "to lease short-term rentals, rent luxury vehicles, dine at restaurants and purchase high-end merchandise.''
RELATED: California lawmakers to conduct emergency audit of EDD
California lawmakers to conduct emergency audit of EDD
During the investigation, police discovered 129 fraudulent EDD cards worth over $2.5 million, as well as seven handguns and $289,000 in cash.
Multiple agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department, sheriff's department, California Highway Patrol and U.S. Secret Service, met Wednesday to discuss collaboration on combating the issue.
RELATED: Florida man erroneously receives 12 letters from the California EDD
[Ads /]
"There are millions of tax dollars being spent fraudulently as a result of this trend,'' Beverly Hills Police Department Chief Dominick Rivetti said.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to call the Beverly Hills Police Department at (310) 285-2125.