CalFresh EBT benefits completely disappeared overnight - possible skimming alert!
I'm literally shaking right now. Woke up this morning to check my EBT balance since I was planning to do grocery shopping today, and ALL my CalFresh benefits are GONE! Had $467 loaded just yesterday (our monthly amount for family of 3) and now it says $0.00 balance! I didn't use the card AT ALL yesterday. Called the EBT customer service number but after 45 minutes on hold I got disconnected. Has anyone else experienced this? Could someone have skimmed my card? I don't know how we're going to eat this month if I can't get this fixed ASAP. I've never seen benefits just vanish like this before!
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Amina Toure
This happened to me back in December! Someone skimmed my card at a grocery store ATM. Call EBT customer service again and specifically request the fraud department. Tell them you need to file a 'stolen benefits claim'. Make sure to also report it to your county office because they sometimes need separate reports. They should be able to see exactly when and where the transactions happened.
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Paolo Esposito
•OMG I think you're right about skimming! Just checked my transaction history through the EBT app and there are 3 transactions from yesterday at a store I've NEVER been to in a city 40 miles away! How did this happen when I have my card?? Do they replace stolen benefits?
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Oliver Weber
this is happening EVERYWHERE lately!! my cousin got her entire $390 wiped out last month. they use these little skimmer devices they put over the real card readers. so sorry this happened to u
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FireflyDreams
•Yep, it's a HUGE problem now. I work at a community resource center and we're seeing 3-4 cases like this EVERY WEEK. The thieves are getting more sophisticated with bluetooth skimmers that are almost impossible to detect. They can clone your card without you ever knowing.
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FireflyDreams
Contact your county office IMMEDIATELY to report this. California finally passed a law in 2023 that allows for replacement of stolen CalFresh benefits, but you must report it within 10 days of discovering the theft. Ask for EBT Benefit Theft Replacement form. You'll need to sign an affidavit swearing you didn't authorize the transactions. They should be able to investigate and restore your benefits within 10 business days.
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Paolo Esposito
•Thank you! I've been trying to reach my county worker all morning but keep getting kicked to voicemail. Is there any way to expedite this? We literally have no food in the house right now.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
Try Claimyr.com - it literally saved me when this happened to me last year! Its a service that gets you through to an actual CalFresh worker without waiting on hold for hours. They called me back within 15 minutes after trying for DAYS on my own. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. For benefit theft they'll usually expedite once you actually reach someone.
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Paolo Esposito
•Just tried Claimyr and got a callback in 20 minutes! The worker confirmed they can see the unauthorized transactions and is processing an emergency replacement. Said I should have my benefits back in 2-3 business days. Such a relief!
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Javier Morales
For future protection, here are some tips: 1) Check your balance frequently 2) Sign up for EBT text alerts for all transactions 3) Change your PIN regularly 4) Cover the keypad when entering your PIN 5) Use your benefits at major grocery chains rather than smaller stores when possible 6) Inspect card readers for loose parts or anything suspicious 7) Consider getting a new card periodically even if yours hasn't been compromised
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Emma Anderson
•wait theres text alerts??? how do u sign up for that? im always worried about this happening to me
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Javier Morales
•Yes! In California, go to the ConnectEBT website (www.connectebt.com) and register your account. Then go to 'Manage Contact Information' and enter your cell phone. You can choose to receive alerts for balance updates and transactions. It's a huge peace of mind knowing you'll get alerted immediately if anyone uses your benefits.
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Malik Thompson
I dont think its skimming I bet its a glitch in their system. Last spring the WHOLE system went down for like 3 days and everyones balance showed $0 but then it came back. Maybe wait a day? Why assume fraud right away
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FireflyDreams
•While system glitches can happen, the OP already confirmed seeing unauthorized transactions at stores they've never visited. This is definitely fraud, not a glitch. Please don't minimize the very real and growing problem of EBT theft - it's reaching epidemic levels in California right now. Always report suspicious activity immediately rather than waiting.
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Oliver Weber
did u get a notice about recertification or SAR7 recently? sometimes they cut off benefits if u miss those deadlines and dont even tell u till after
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Paolo Esposito
•No, I just did my recert last month and everything was approved. Got my regular deposit yesterday and then it disappeared. County confirmed it was fraud - someone used a cloned card. Thankfully they're replacing the stolen benefits!
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Amina Toure
While you're waiting for the replacement benefits, check with local food banks! 211.org can tell you where emergency food assistance is available in your area. Also ask the county worker about emergency expedited benefits - sometimes they can issue a small emergency allotment on a temporary card while investigating theft claims.
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Paolo Esposito
•Thank you for this suggestion! Called 211 and they connected me with a food bank that's doing distribution tomorrow morning. At least we'll have something to tide us over until the replacement benefits come through. This community has been so helpful!
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