The Department of Labor (DOL) Inspector General, Anthony P. D’Esposito, has issued a warning about a growing trend of online fraudsters, referred to as "fraudfluencers," who exploit government programs to commit fraud. These individuals often promote their schemes on social media, encouraging others to participate in fraudulent activities for a share of the proceeds. One case highlighted involves Britteny Egland, a contract employee with the California Employment Development Department (EDD), who used her social media platforms to solicit followers for fraudulent unemployment insurance and grant applications, ultimately stealing $2.8 million. Egland has since pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to five years in federal prison, along with restitution of the stolen funds.
D’Esposito emphasized the seriousness of these crimes, stating that they represent a betrayal of honest taxpayers. He noted that the DOL and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud are committed to prosecuting such cases aggressively. Other examples of similar fraud include Jonathan Dupiton, who was sentenced to seven years for obtaining $3.8 million in fraudulent benefits, and rapper Fontrell Antonio Baines, who received a 77-month sentence for exploiting pandemic relief funds. D’Esposito remarked on how social media has transformed the landscape of fraud, allowing criminals to boast about their activities and leave a digital trail for investigators.