CalFresh EBT card compromised TWICE - need help preventing more theft

I'm so sorry this happened to you. EBT theft is becoming a huge problem in California. First, call right away to report the theft to both the EBT customer service line (877-328-9677) AND your county office. Request a new card with a completely different number, not just a replacement with the same number. For skimmers - those are devices criminals attach to card readers that copy your card information. Always check for anything loose or strange on the card reader before inserting your card. Also, change your PIN regularly (at least monthly) and don't use obvious numbers like birthdays or address numbers.

omg the same thing happened to me last month!! they took ALL my benefits ($1047!!) and i still havent gotten it back. called the county like 20 times and keep getting voicemail. this is SO frustrating 😡 wish there was better security on these cards

OK let me clarify some things about EBT theft replacement because there's a lot of misinformation out there: 1. State law allows for benefit replacement when theft occurs, but you MUST file a police report first 2. There's a limit on how many times they'll replace (usually 2x per year) 3. For a second theft, they scrutinize more heavily but should still replace if you have proof 4. NEW RULE FOR 2025: You must report theft within 5 days (used to be 10) 5. Replacement usually takes 7-10 business days To protect yourself: Use the BenefitsCal app to freeze/unfreeze your card between uses. Only unfreeze when you're literally at checkout ready to pay, then freeze it again immediately after. This has stopped my benefits from being stolen since I started doing it.

you should try a VPN!!! I started using one after my identity got stolen and it helps keep your information private online. also never use the ATM at night thats when theives put the skimmers on

When this happened to me, I found out the thieves were getting card info from a skimmer at the grocery store I always use! The store had no idea until multiple customers complained. Besides what others said about freezing your card, I also now ONLY use my EBT at the self-checkout lanes where I can see the card reader better. And I wiggle the card slot before inserting - if anything feels loose, I don't use it and tell store management. Haven't had a problem since.

For emergency food while waiting for your replacement benefits, contact these resources: 1. Your local food bank - most don't require proof of income for emergency situations 2. Call 211 for referrals to emergency food assistance programs 3. If you have children in school, contact their school district - many have emergency food resources 4. Request expedited processing of your benefit replacement by telling your worker it's an emergency food situation with children For long-term protection, besides freezing/unfreezing your card, I recommend having benefits split across two reporting periods if possible. That way if theft occurs, you'll still have some benefits coming mid-month. Your eligibility worker can help set this up.

When I had my benefits stolen, I couldn't get through to anyone for DAYS. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to a live worker. Their service bypasses the phone tree and waiting, and I had my case resolved same day. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Might be worth checking out since you need this resolved ASAP for your kids.

does anybody know if my calfresh caseworker can see what stores i shop at?? i dont want them judging me for buying food at the expensive stores sometimes :/ sorry for off topic just wondering

After seeing this thread, I wanted to share that there's now a California EBT Theft Victim Compensation program specifically for people in your situation. If you've already reported twice within a year, you might qualify for priority processing. When you talk to your worker, specifically mention this program by name. They started it in 2025 because theft became so widespread. Also, for everyone here: NEVER respond to text messages about your EBT card, even if they look official. The county will NEVER text asking for your PIN or card info. That's another way people are getting scammed.

the whole system is RIGGED against us!!! my friend had her benefits stolen 3 TIMES and they accused HER of selling her benefits!!! this is why i keep telling everyone to withdraw all your money as soon as it hits your account and just use cash!!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - EBT theft is absolutely devastating, especially when you have kids depending on those benefits. Since you mentioned the county is questioning the second theft, make sure you emphasize that you DID change your card after the first incident and that you've been following security protocols. Document everything - save all your police reports, correspondence with the county, and any evidence of the theft. One thing that helped me was creating a "theft protection checklist" after my benefits were stolen: 1) Only shop at stores with good lighting and visible security cameras, 2) Never use your card at gas stations or convenience stores (higher risk for skimmers), 3) Always cover your PIN entry with your other hand, and 4) Check your balance daily through the app so you catch any unauthorized use immediately. For immediate food help while waiting for replacement, also try reaching out to local churches and community centers - many have emergency food pantries that don't require extensive paperwork. Hang in there - this isn't your fault, and you WILL get through this.