CalFresh EBT benefits stolen twice - prevention tips beyond PIN changes?

I'm really sorry this happened to you! Unfortunately EBT skimming is getting worse. Here's what you should do beyond just changing your PIN: 1. Request a brand new card (not just a PIN change) 2. Check your BenefitsCal account for any address changes you didn't make 3. NEVER use your EBT card at an ATM outside a grocery store 4. Cover the keypad completely when entering your PIN 5. Set up EBT alerts on your phone to get notifications when benefits are used 6. Consider "freezing" your EBT card between uses (you can do this through the EBT app) As for replacements, yes, California has the EBT Theft Victim Compensation program that started in 2023 and is still active in 2025. You can get stolen benefits replaced now (wasn't possible before this program). You need to file a report within 30 days of the theft, and they can replace up to two months of stolen benefits per year.

THIS IS HAPPENING EVERYWHERE AND THE COUNTY DOESN'T CARE!!! I had $430 stolen last month and the worker told me "it's not our problem" even though it IS THEIR PROBLEM!!! The skimmer devices are on THEIR machines!!! Three different families at my kids' school had benefits stolen. They're targeting our neighborhood EBT users! They all use the same grocery store on 3rd Street. Where do you shop? Might be the same scammers.

I work at a community resource center and we're seeing this issue constantly now. Here's the official advice: - Request a new card with a new number (not just PIN change) - File a police report (required for replacement in many counties) - Submit the EBT-2259 Benefit Theft Report form with the county - Check your card for tiny devices/overlays before inserting at any terminal - Use your EBT card INSIDE stores only (never at outdoor terminals) For those mentioning the 3rd Street Market - we've had 5 clients report theft after using that location. Consider reporting it to the USDA FNS fraud department at 1-800-424-9121. The replacement process is taking 4-6 weeks right now due to high volume of theft reports. If you need emergency food assistance while waiting, visit your county office in person and request expedited replacement.

My sister went thru this same exact thing! She got hers stolen 2x too! What worked for her was getting a totally new card number AND she started taking ALL her benefits out at once on issuance day. She buys gift cards at the grocery store with the EBT (for that same store) so the actual EBT card stays empty. Thieves can't steal what isn't there! Shes been doing this for 3 months now no problems. Idk if its totally allowed but its working.

When I had my benefits stolen last year, I was dealing with the same frustrations trying to reach someone at the county office who could actually help. After endless busy signals and disconnections, I finally discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it's a service that gets you through to an actual CalFresh worker without the typical wait. They got me connected to a supervisor who processed my theft claim much faster than the standard process. They have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Once I got through, I learned that thefts reported in person at the county office get processed faster than those reported by phone. The worker also helped me set up additional security measures on my account that phone reps never mentioned.

This is why I always take out all my benefits as soon as they hit my card and use cash for groceries. cant trust the system to protect us. governments just pretending to care about the massive EBT fraud happening all over CA. my neighbors card was drained while the card was in her purse! they can steal it without even touching your card now using bluetooth skimmers or something. scarry world.

have u tried calling ur county worker? when mine got stolen they fixed it in like a week but i had to keep calling them everyday

I want to share some updated information about benefit theft replacement since there seems to be confusion: 1. As of January 2025, California's updated EBT theft reimbursement program covers up to two months of stolen benefits within a federal fiscal year 2. The process requires: - Filing a police report (online is fine in most counties) - Completing form EBT-2259 (Benefit Theft Report) - Submitting a signed affidavit declaring the theft - Providing transaction records showing the unauthorized purchases 3. For emergency assistance while waiting: - Ask your county worker specifically for "expedited theft replacement" - Visit a local food bank (they have special programs for victims of benefit theft) - Check if you qualify for emergency CalFresh supplemental benefits If you're having trouble reaching someone at the county office to process this faster, you can either escalate to a supervisor by clearly stating it's an emergency food situation affecting children, or visit the office in person where they can't put you on hold.