ALERT: EBT fraud protection policy changed - no reimbursement for stolen CalFresh benefits!

wait WHAT??? is this fr?? i had no idea they changed this! that's so messed up, how r ppl supposed to feed their kids if this happens??

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately, this has been a growing problem with EBT fraud. Here's what you should do immediately: 1. File that police report as they suggested 2. Contact your county CalFresh office directly (not just the EBT card service) - sometimes they have emergency funds or replacement options that the card service doesn't tell you about 3. Look into emergency food resources like food banks while you sort this out Also - can you share how you think your benefits were stolen? Was it a skimmer at a store, or did someone access your account online?

this is y i always transfer my calfresh to my other bank account as soon as benefits drop... cant trust the system to protect us

This policy change is extremely concerning. I work with low-income families, and EBT theft has been increasing dramatically over the past year. Previously, victims could get stolen benefits replaced within 10 business days after filing a claim. The official policy from CDSS used to guarantee reimbursement for stolen electronic benefits. This change leaves vulnerable households at serious risk. I recommend: 1. Contact your local CalFresh office immediately and ask for an emergency replacement allotment due to theft 2. File a formal complaint with CDSS about the policy change 3. Contact your state representative and explain the situation This change may violate certain regulations about benefit protection. Let me know if you need help finding contact information for any of these resources.

Have you tried using Claimyr to actually speak to someone at your county CalFresh office? I was having issues with my benefits last month and couldn't get through on the phone - kept getting disconnected or stuck on hold forever. Someone here recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they actually got me through to a real person at my county office in like 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 The county workers often have more authority to help with these situations than the EBT card customer service people. Might be worth trying since this is an emergency situation.

THEY'VE BEEN PLANNING THIS FOR MONTHS!!! I talked to a worker at my county office back in December who said they were 'updating fraud policies' because too many people were claiming their benefits got stolen. They basically think we're all lying about theft to get double benefits!!! This is how they treat poor people - assume we're all criminals. I've had my benefits stolen TWICE in the past year and both times it took 6+ weeks to get reimbursed. Now they're just not going to help at all??? DISGUSTING.

So sorry you're dealing with this! The same thing happened to me - had $350 stolen in April. When I called, they told me about this policy change. I was able to get emergency assistance by going IN PERSON to my county office and explaining my situation. They issued me emergency benefits (not the full amount, but about 60% of what was stolen). Bring any evidence you have of the fraud - transaction records, etc. The workers at the physical office have more discretion than the phone reps.

For everyone in this thread, here's important information about protecting your remaining and future benefits: 1. Change your PIN immediately and use a non-obvious number (not birthdays, sequential numbers, etc.) 2. Check your EBT account regularly for suspicious activity 3. Never share your PIN or card information with anyone 4. Be careful about where you use your card - avoid sketchy ATMs or card readers that look unusual 5. Consider checking for skimmers before using your card (wiggle the card reader) 6. If possible, use your EBT card at major retailers rather than smaller stores Also, there's a bill currently in committee (AB-508) that would enhance fraud protections for EBT users. Consider contacting your representatives to support stronger protections.

anybody know if this affects cash benefits too or just calfresh?? i get both