Thanks everybody for the advice! I downloaded the ConnectEBT app and it's working okay so far. Had to try a couple times to create an account but finally got in. I like that I can see my last few transactions. Definitely better than calling that number every time! I might still track things in my regular budget app too just to be more organized about what I'm buying.

Just wanted to add that you can also text your EBT card number to 511-411 to get your balance! I discovered this recently and it's super convenient when you're out shopping and don't want to download an app or call. You just text your 16-digit card number and they text back your current balance. It's free and works pretty quickly. I still use the ConnectEBT app at home for checking transaction history, but the texting option is great for quick balance checks when you're at the store.

UPDATE FOR EVERYONE: California just implemented new EBT theft protection measures this year. Every county should now have an "EBT Theft Resolution Team." When you call your county office, specifically ask for this team. Also, as of March 2025, all EBT cards now have chip technology to reduce skimming fraud, so make sure you request the newest card version when getting your replacement. For those struggling with the police report requirement, you can now submit an affidavit of theft (Form EBT-1325) instead in many counties if getting to a police station is a hardship.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT theft is unfortunately becoming way too common. I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago and it was a nightmare. Here's what finally worked for me: I had to be really persistent and document EVERYTHING. Keep a log of every phone call - date, time, who you spoke with, and what they told you. When I kept getting different answers, I started asking for supervisor names and reference numbers for each call. Also, if you're in LA County, try calling their dedicated EBT fraud line directly at (877) 481-1044 - it's supposed to be faster than the general DPSS line. The whole process took me about 3 weeks but I did get all my benefits back. Don't give up! And definitely look into local food banks while you're waiting - LA has some good ones that don't require a lot of paperwork.

This is really concerning that so many people in the Lancaster area are getting these fake "Sunbucks" letters! I haven't received one yet but I'm definitely going to be on the lookout now. For anyone who's worried about their legitimate CalFresh communications, you can also sign up for text alerts through your BenefitsCal account - that way you'll get notified about real deadlines and requirements. Stay safe everyone and thanks for sharing this warning!

This is really helpful - I'm glad you posted about this! I'm in Palmdale (close to Lancaster) and I haven't gotten anything like this yet, but now I know to watch out for it. It's scary how official these scammers are making their letters look. For anyone who wants to double-check what legitimate CalFresh mail looks like, you can see examples on the LA County DPSS website under the "Forms and Publications" section. They have sample Notice of Action forms and other official documents so you can compare. Also, legitimate CalFresh communications will ALWAYS have your case number printed on them - if there's no case number, that's a red flag. Thanks for the warning everyone!

I'm a caseworker in another California county and want to add some specifics that might help. When you file your EBT-2259 form, make sure to request a copy for your records - this is crucial if there are any delays or issues with processing. Also, ask your worker about the "Replacement Benefits Pending Investigation" option - some counties can issue partial emergency benefits (usually 50% of stolen amount) within 3-5 business days while the full claim is being processed. This isn't widely advertised but it exists specifically for families with children facing food insecurity. Document everything - take photos of the form, get confirmation numbers, and ask for written confirmation that your claim was received. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these situations unfortunately. Don't give up!

I'm so sorry this happened to you and your family. EBT fraud is absolutely devastating and it's infuriating that families are left scrambling while bureaucracy moves at a snail's pace. A few additional resources that might help while you're fighting for your benefits back: 1. Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they can connect you with local emergency food programs and sometimes have access to one-time emergency assistance funds specifically for situations like this. 2. Check if your kids' schools participate in weekend backpack programs - many schools send food home on Fridays to help families bridge the gap over weekends. 3. Look into your local Sikh temples (gurdwaras) if there are any nearby - they traditionally offer free meals to anyone regardless of background, no questions asked. 4. Some Walmart and Target locations partner with local food banks for mobile pantries - call ahead to see if any are scheduled in your area this week. The fact that this is happening to so many people shows how broken the system is. You shouldn't have to become an expert in navigating bureaucracy just to feed your children after being victimized by criminals. Keep pushing and don't let them make you feel like you're asking for too much - you deserve to have your stolen benefits replaced quickly. Your family's wellbeing depends on it.

So glad you got through and are getting help! This is exactly why I always tell people not to give up on the first try. The system is frustrating but California really has made improvements for EBT theft victims. One tip for everyone reading - also check if your local food banks have emergency food boxes while you're waiting for replacement benefits. Most don't require income verification for emergency situations like this. And definitely enable all the security features on the EBT app once you get your new card! Hope you get your benefits back soon Paolo! 🙏

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT theft is unfortunately becoming more common. Here's what you need to do right away: 1. **Call the EBT customer service line immediately** at 1-877-328-9677 to report the theft and freeze your card 2. **File a police report** - this is required for benefit replacement and serves as proof of theft 3. **Contact your county CalFresh office** to report the theft and request form CF 303E (EBT Benefits Theft Report) The good news is California now has laws requiring them to replace stolen benefits! Under recent legislation, they must replace stolen EBT benefits once per year. Make sure to emphasize this is an EMERGENCY food situation when you call - this can help expedite the process. Also check your EBT transaction history in the app to document where/when the fraudulent purchases happened - this helps prove it wasn't you. Don't panic, most people do get their benefits back within 5-10 business days if you follow all the steps correctly. Hang in there!