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This thread is so eye-opening and scary at the same time! I've been on CalFresh for about 6 months and have been pretty careless with my card - using it at random corner stores, gas stations, you name it. After reading everyone's stories about losing hundreds of dollars, I'm honestly shocked this isn't talked about more when you first get approved. I had no idea about changing your PIN monthly or that 7-Eleven stores might be compromised. I've definitely used my card there multiple times recently. Now I'm paranoid that my benefits might get stolen too. Thank you @Aileen Rodriguez for the detailed info about the CF 303 form and AB 1270 - I'm saving this info just in case. And @NebulaKnight thanks for the text balance tip! I just tried texting "BAL" to 96977 and it worked perfectly. I'm definitely going to check this every day now. This whole situation just shows how vulnerable we are in this system. It's already hard enough to make ends meet, and now we have to worry about criminals stealing the little help we do get. But at least we have each other to share information and protect one another. This community is amazing!
Welcome to the community, Chloe! Don't feel bad about being careless before - most of us had no clue about these risks when we first started. The fact that they don't warn people about EBT skimming during the application process is honestly criminal. Since you mentioned using your card at 7-Eleven recently, I'd definitely recommend changing your PIN ASAP and monitoring your balance closely over the next few days. Better to be overly cautious than sorry! And yeah, that text balance check is a lifesaver - so much easier than calling and waiting on hold. It really is frustrating that we have to become security experts just to buy groceries safely. But threads like this prove that when we share information and look out for each other, we can protect ourselves better. Stay vigilant and don't hesitate to ask questions - we're all in this together!
This thread has been incredibly valuable - thank you all for sharing your experiences and practical advice! I'm fairly new to receiving CalFresh benefits and honestly had no idea that EBT skimming was such a widespread problem. Reading about everyone's stolen benefits is both heartbreaking and eye-opening. I've been pretty careless about where I use my card, but after seeing how much money people are losing (hundreds of dollars that take weeks to replace!), I'm definitely going to change my habits. The tips about wiggling card readers, changing PINs monthly, and using the text balance check (96977) are going to be part of my routine now. One thing that really stood out to me is how the system seems designed to make it hard for victims to get help. Having to fill out forms, file police reports, and wait weeks for replacement benefits while your family goes hungry is just wrong. We're already struggling, and then when we become victims of crime, we're treated like we did something wrong. I'm going to start shopping only at major grocery chains and avoid those standalone ATMs completely. And I'm definitely going to ask my caseworker about those text alerts @Sofia Morales mentioned - that sounds like it could really help catch theft quickly. Thanks to everyone for looking out for each other and sharing this crucial information. It's terrible that we have to become experts in fraud prevention just to safely access our benefits, but at least we can protect ourselves with knowledge!
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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! 🙏
Thank you so much Benjamin! I never even thought about food banks - that's really helpful to know while I'm waiting for the replacement benefits. I'm definitely going to enable all those security features once I get my new card. This whole experience has been so stressful but everyone's advice here has been a lifesaver. Really appreciate this community looking out for each other!
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!
This is such helpful and comprehensive advice Oliver! I had no idea California had passed laws requiring benefit replacement - that gives me so much hope. I'm going to call that EBT number right now and then head to the police station. Do you happen to know if I can file the police report online or does it need to be in person? I'm trying to get everything done as quickly as possible since my family depends on these benefits. Thank you for taking the time to write out all these steps!
@Oliver Schmidt Yes, most police departments now allow you to file theft reports online! Just search for [your "city] police online reporting and" look for property theft or fraud categories. You ll'get a case number immediately which is what you need for the county office. Some departments might require an in-person follow-up for large amounts like $1000, but the online report gets the process started faster. The key is getting that case number ASAP so you can reference it when you call the county. Good luck and don t'give up - the system works if you persist through all the steps!
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Congrats on getting through! That's such a relief. I've been in a similar situation where documents somehow went "missing" in their system - it's so frustrating but at least now you're back on track. Since they're expediting it, you should hear back within a few days. Just a heads up though - even after approval, it can take 7-10 days to get your actual EBT card in the mail, so don't panic if there's still a bit of a wait. Fingers crossed everything moves quickly for you now!
That's awesome that you got it sorted out! I went through something similar last year where they claimed they never received my bank statements even though I hand-delivered them. It's like their filing system has black holes sometimes lol. But yeah, the EBT card wait is real - mine took almost 2 weeks to arrive, but once it did everything was already loaded and ready to use. Hope yours comes way faster than that!
That's such great news that you finally got through and they're expediting your case! It's unfortunately super common for documents to get "lost" in their system - happened to me too when I first applied. Since you mentioned your rent went up $250, you might want to ask your caseworker if that change affects your benefit amount at all. Sometimes increased housing costs can actually increase your CalFresh allotment. Also, once you get approved and receive your EBT card, don't forget you can use it at farmers markets too if there are any near you - they often have matching programs that double your buying power for fresh produce!
Wait, I think there might be some confusion here - you're replying to your own post! But you're absolutely right about the rent increase potentially affecting your benefit amount. When you talk to your caseworker about the expedited processing, definitely mention that housing cost change. They should be able to update your case with the new rent amount which could increase your monthly benefits. The farmers market tip is great too - I didn't know about those matching programs until someone mentioned it here before!
@Sara Unger You re'totally right, I got confused there! Thanks for catching that. And yes, definitely mention that rent increase to your caseworker - housing costs are a big factor in calculating CalFresh benefits. The higher your housing expenses relative to your income, the more benefits you might qualify for. Also, since you re'dealing with financial stress from the rent hike, make sure to ask about any local food banks or pantries in your area that can help bridge the gap while you re'waiting for benefits to start.
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UPDATE: Finally got through to EBT fraud department and reported the theft. They're sending me a new card that should arrive in 3-5 days. Also filed a police report online and got a case number. Called my county office first thing this morning and filed the CF 303 form. They said it could take up to 10 business days to process the claim and get my benefits reissued. In the meantime, I called 211 and got referred to two local food banks that can help us get through until the benefits are restored. Thanks everyone for your advice and support during this nightmare!
Great job taking all the right steps! One more tip: when your new card arrives, set up the BenefitsCal mobile app if you haven't already. The 2025 version lets you freeze/unfreeze your EBT card instantly and sends alerts for any transactions. It's much better protection against future theft. Glad you found some food resources in the meantime!
So glad you got through! The waiting is the worst part but at least you've done everything right. Hope those 10 days go by super fast!
I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT theft is unfortunately really common right now. Just want to add that if you're having trouble getting through to the EBT customer service line, try calling early in the morning right when they open (around 6 AM) - that's when the wait times are usually shortest. Also, make sure to screenshot or print out those fraudulent transaction records from your EBT account online as proof for your claim. The county will need those exact transaction details. Hang in there - I know it's scary but you're doing all the right things and you WILL get your benefits replaced!
Demi Lagos
I went through this exact same stress when I moved from Los Angeles to San Francisco County about 6 months ago! Had over $280 on my old card and was terrified I'd lose it all. Here's what ended up working for me: Called the EBT customer service line at exactly 7 AM (1-877-328-9677) and got through in about 10 minutes - way better than the afternoon wait times. The rep was super helpful and walked me through everything. They needed: - My SSN for verification - Both EBT card numbers (16 digits each) - Both case numbers from old and new counties The whole call took maybe 15 minutes and they gave me a confirmation number (definitely ask for this!). The balance showed up on my new card 3 business days later - all $280 transferred perfectly. One thing that surprised me - they told me I could keep using my old card for small purchases while waiting for the transfer, just to make sure it stayed active. I bought a pack of gum with it the day after my call and it worked fine. Don't stress too much about it - the system actually works pretty well once you get the right person on the phone. The early morning call time makes ALL the difference though. Good luck @StarStrider!
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Cedric Chung
•This is exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you so much for sharing your successful experience with the same situation. It's such a relief to know that the $280 transferred perfectly and that the process actually worked smoothly once you got through. The timing tip about calling at 7 AM seems to be the key - I had no idea that would make such a huge difference in wait times. I'm definitely going to try that tomorrow morning and make sure to get that confirmation number. The fact that you could even use your old card for small purchases while waiting is reassuring too. Really appreciate you taking the time to share all the specific details and the encouragement!
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Keisha Johnson
This thread is so helpful! I'm bookmarking it for future reference. Quick question for everyone - when you call the EBT customer service line, do they require any specific documentation beyond what's already been mentioned? Like proof of address in the new county or anything like that? I'm planning a move from San Jose to Sacramento County next month and want to make sure I have everything ready ahead of time. Also, has anyone tried doing this process online or is phone/in-person the only way? Thanks!
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