California Minimum Wage – What California Workers Need to Know

Mar 11, 2025 | KLF Blog

Minimum Wage in California is $16.50 Per Hour, Higher for Some Workers // 

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is making sure workers in California know that as of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage is $16.50 per hour for all employers, unless covered by a higher minimum wage specific to an industry or a locality. California Minimum Wage Order (MW-2025).

California Minimum Wage for Fast Food Workers & Certain Health Care Workers

In California, there is a higher minimum wage for Fast Food Workers and a higher minimum wage for certain Health Care Workers.

Also, some California cities and counties have a higher California minimum wages than the state’s rate.

Click here for a list of city and county minimum wages in California. 

What Is the Difference Between the Local, State, and Federal Minimum Wage

Most employers in California are subject to both the federal and state minimum wage laws, and although there are higher California minimum wage rates in certain localities, the employer must follow the stricter standard, i.e., the one that is the most beneficial to the employee.

Thus, since California’s current law requires a higher minimum wage rate than federal law, all employers in California who are subject to both laws must pay the California minimum wage rate, unless their employees are exempt under California law.

Further, if a local entity (city or county) has adopted a higher minimum wage, employees must be paid the local wage where it is higher than the state or federal minimum wage rates.

Exceptions to Paying the Minimum Wage

There are some employees who are exempt from the minimum wage law, such as outside salespersons, individuals who are the parent, spouse, or child of the employer, and apprentices regularly indentured under the State Division of Apprenticeship Standards. 

There is an exception for learners, regardless of age, who may be paid not less than 85 percent of the minimum wage rounded to the nearest nickel during their first 160 hours of employment in occupations in which they have no previous similar or related experience.

There are also exceptions for employees who are mentally or physically disabled, or both, and for nonprofit organizations such as sheltered workshops or rehabilitation facilities that employ disabled workers.

Can an Employee Agree to Work for Less than the Minimum Wage?

No. The minimum wage is an obligation of the employer and cannot be waived by any agreement, including collective bargaining agreements. 

Can an Employer Use Tips as a Credit Toward the Obligation to Pay the California Minimum Wage?

No. An employer may not use an employee’s tips as a credit toward its obligation to pay the minimum wage per hour.

Source: State of California, Department of Industrial Relations 

What Can You Do if You are Not Paid the California Minimum Wage?

If you have not been paid the required California minimum wage, you may have legal claims.  Our experienced class action attorneys are dedicated to protecting workers’ rights. For a free, no-obligation evaluation of potential legal claims, send us a message or contact Michael Yarnoff, Esq., (215) 792-6676, Ext. 804, [email protected], [email protected]. 

About Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action law firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors. We litigate securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.

KLF’s class action legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients are not responsible for any fees or litigation expenses. 

 

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ADDRESS

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
2001 Market Street
Suite 2500
Philadelphia, PA 19103

PHONE

Tel: 215-792-6676

EMAIL

[email protected]

Reported Consumer Fraud Losses Increase to $12.5 Billion

Mar 10, 2025 | KLF Blog

Of Reported Consumer Fraud Losses, Consumers Report Losing $5.7 Billion to Investment Scams //

New FTC data reveals that consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023.

Consumers reported losing more money to investment scams—$5.7 billion—than any other category in 2024. Imposter scams were the second highest reported loss at $2.95 billion.

In 2024, consumers reported losing more money to scams where they paid with bank transfers or cryptocurrency than all other payment methods combined.

FTC 2024 Top Frauds Summary Chart

FTC Received 2.6 Million Consumer Fraud Reports in 2024 – Imposter Scams Top Reported Scam Category

The FTC received fraud reports from 2.6 million consumers last year, nearly the same as in 2023. The most commonly reported scam category was imposter scams. Losses to government imposter scams in particular increased $171 million from 2023 to a total of $789 million in 2024.

Online shopping issues were the second most commonly reported in the fraud category. This was followed by business and job opportunities, where reported losses totaled $750.6 million—up nearly $250 million from 2023.

The other most reported categories of fraud were investment-related reports and internet services.

Job and Employment Agency Scams Show Significant Growth

Showing major growth in recent years within business and job opportunities is the subcategory job and employment agency scams, where the number of reports tripled from 2020 to 2024, and the amount consumers reported losing to these scams jumped from $90 million to $501 million in that time.

For the second consecutive year, email was the most common way consumers reported being contacted by scammers. Phone calls were the second most commonly reported contact method for fraud in 2024, followed by text messages.

Source: FTC.gov

About Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action law firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors. We litigate securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.

KLF’s class action legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients are not responsible for any fees or litigation expenses. 

 

SEND US A MESSAGE

Contact Us

ADDRESS

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
2001 Market Street
Suite 2500
Philadelphia, PA 19103

PHONE

Tel: 215-792-6676

EMAIL

[email protected]

Engine Cover Issue Results in Volkswagen Atlas Recall of Nearly 200,000 Atlas SUVs

Mar 9, 2025 | KLF Blog

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is notifying consumers that Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (“Volkswagen”) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles.

What Is the Reason for the Volkswagen Atlas Recall?

Certain Volkswagen Atlas and Volkswagen Cross Sport vehicles are being recalled, becaust the engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces in the engine compartment, possibly leading to melting of the cover material. 

Melted material that comes in contact with extremely hot surfaces (such as the exhaust turbo charger) could possibly lead to a fire in the engine compartment. If the engine cover has come loose, Volkswagen owners may notice a burning smell coming from the engine compartment or when opening the hood, or they may recognize that the engine cover has been moved out of its proper position.

Vehicles Affected by the Volkswagen Atlas Recall 

The recall impacts the following vehicles:

  • 2024-2025 Volkswagen Atlas
  • 2024-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Recall Remedy

Dealers will remove the engine cover, free of charge. The safety recall code is 10X5, and owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 18, 2025. 

Additional Details About the Volkswagen Atlas Recall 

More information about the recall can be found in the following official documents:

How to Check if Your Vehicle Has Been Recalled

To determine if your vehicle is subject to this recall, please click Check for Recalls to easily search vehicles, car seats, tires and other equipment for safety recalls, investigations, complaints and manufacturer communication.

Questions About A Vehicle Defect or Recall?

Vehicle owners and lessess affected by automotive defects or safety recalls are encouraged to contact Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. by sending us a message below or contacting Michael Yarnoff, Esq., (215) 792-6676, Ext. 804, [email protected], [email protected], for a free, no-obligation evaluation of potential legal claims.

About Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. 

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors. We litigate securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.

Our class action legal services are on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients are not responsible for any fees or litigation expenses.

Center for Digestive Health Data Breach Affects 122,437 Individuals

Mar 9, 2025 | KLF Blog

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is making individuals aware that Gastroenterology Associates of Central Florida, P.A., d/b/a Center for Digestive Health (hereinafter referred to as “Center for Digestive Health”), reported a data breach to the Office of the Maine Attorney General.

What Caused the Center for Digestive Health Data Breach?

The company’s Notice of Data Breach stated that “[o]n April 11, 2024, the [Center for Digestive Health] detected suspicious activity in [its] IT network environment.” Further, “[o]n January 22, 2025, the [Center for Digestive Health] identified persons whose personal health information (‘PHI’) was included within the impacted data.”

What Information was Compromised in the Center for Digestive Health Data Breach?

The compromised data may have included the following:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security Number
  • Health information. 

Extent of the Center for Digestive Health Data Breach

The data breach affected 122,437 individuals, according to information on the Office of the Maine Attorney General’s website.

Did You Receive a Notification Letter About the Center for Digestive Health Data Breach?

If you received a data breach notice, have questions about the breach, or have experienced fraud, identity theft, or other harm as a result, Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. can help you understand your rights and explore your legal options.

For a free, no-obligation case evaluation, send us a message below or contact:

📞 Michael Yarnoff, Esq. – (215) 792-6676, Ext. 804
📧 Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

About Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors. We litigate securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.

KLF’s class action legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients are not responsible for any fees or litigation expenses.

 

 

SEND US A MESSAGE

Contact Us

ADDRESS

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
2001 Market Street
Suite 2500
Philadelphia, PA 19103

PHONE

Tel: 215-792-6676

EMAIL

[email protected]

Sunflower Medical Data Breach Affects 220,968 Individuals

Mar 9, 2025 | KLF Blog

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is making individuals aware that Sunflower Medical Group, P.A. (“Sunflower Medical”) reported a data breach to the Office of the Maine Attorney General.

What Caused the Sunflower Medical Data Breach?

Sunflower Medical’s Notice of Data Breach stated that “[o]n January 7, 2025, Sunflower learned that an unauthorized third party had potentially accessed Sunflower’s systems and acquired copies of certain files.”

The company’s cybersecurity incident investigation “determined that an unknown third party accessed Sunflower’s systems on or about December 15, 2024, and acquired copies of certain files from [its] systems as a part of the incident.”

What Information was Compromised in the Sunflower Medical Data Breach?

The type of information compromised in Sunflower Medical’s data breach was not specified in the Notice of Data Breach.

Extent of the Sunflower Medical Data Breach

The Sunflower Medical data breach affected 220,968 individuals, according to information on the Office of the Maine Attorney General’s website.

Did You Receive a Notification Letter About the Sunflower Medical Data Breach?

If you received a data breach notice, have questions about the breach, or have experienced fraud, identity theft, or other harm as a result, Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. can help you understand your rights and explore your legal options.

For a free, no-obligation case evaluation, send us a message below or contact:

📞 Michael Yarnoff, Esq. – (215) 792-6676, Ext. 804
📧 Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

About Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors. We litigate securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.

KLF’s class action legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients are not responsible for any fees or litigation expenses.

 

 

SEND US A MESSAGE

Contact Us

ADDRESS

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
2001 Market Street
Suite 2500
Philadelphia, PA 19103

PHONE

Tel: 215-792-6676

EMAIL

[email protected]

Community Care Alliance Data Breach Affects 114,975 Individuals

Mar 8, 2025 | KLF Blog

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is making individuals aware that Rhode Island-based Community Care Alliance published a Notice of Data Incident on its website stating that it “recently discovered unusual activity on its network.”

Community Care Alliance’s investigation “identified certain information may have been accessed or acquired by an unauthorized individual between July 1, 2024 and July 5, 2024.”

What Information was Compromised in the Community Care Alliance Data Breach?

Community Care Alliance’s data incident notice stated that the company’s investigation disclosed that the information compromised in the data breach possibly includes an individual’s name and one or more of the following:

  • Address, date of birth
  • Driver’s license number, Social Security number
  • Diagnosis/condition, lab results, medications, patient ID number
  • Health insurance information, provider name and/or other treatment information.

Extent of the Community Care Alliance Data Breach

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, Breach Portal, information about the Community Care Alliance data breach was submitted to HHS on March 1, 2025 and affected 114,975 individuals.

Did You Receive a Breach Notification Letter About the Community Care Alliance Data Breach?

If you received a data breach notice, have questions about the breach, or have experienced fraud, identity theft, or other harm as a result, Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. can help you understand your rights and explore your legal options.

For a free, no-obligation case evaluation, send us a message below or contact:

📞 Michael Yarnoff, Esq. – (215) 792-6676, Ext. 804
📧 Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

About Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors. We litigate securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.

KLF’s class action legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients are not responsible for any fees or litigation expenses.

 

 

SEND US A MESSAGE

Contact Us

ADDRESS

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
2001 Market Street
Suite 2500
Philadelphia, PA 19103

PHONE

Tel: 215-792-6676

EMAIL

[email protected]