CalFresh EBT card fraud - benefits stolen while card still in my possession. How to report + get location info?

This happened to me last year! It's called "skimming" where thieves install devices on store card readers that steal your card info when you swipe. California actually has a specific EBT theft reporting process now because it became so common. Yes, you can go to your county office in person with your ID and EBT card to file the form (EBT 2259). Bring any transaction records you can print out. Ask for the form by name and they'll know what you need. The detailed transaction history including store location can only be provided by your county worker - you can't see it in the app or regular transaction history. Request emergency replacement benefits right away when you file the report. They should issue them within 3 business days if your case is clear. Make sure to file a police report too (most stations let you do this online now).

OMG THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME!!!! I lost $840 and when I called they kept saying I must have lost my card but I DIDN'T!!! The benefits were stolen from a store 50 miles away while I was at work!!! The county office made me fill out a million forms and I still haven't gotten my money back after 3 weeks. They act like YOU did something wrong! Make sure to get the workers name and ID number when you go in person. I wish I had done that cuz now they claim they never got my paperwork!!!!

Actually, I can help with the detailed process since I'm going through this right now: 1. You need form EBT 2259 "EBT Benefit Theft Report" - I recommend going in person to your county office with ID and your EBT card 2. You'll need to file a police report (they require the case number on the form) 3. For replacement of stolen benefits, California now has laws requiring them to replace up to two months of skimmed benefits 4. The county office can print out your detailed transaction history showing the exact store location and time 5. You should get a new EBT card issued while you're there to prevent further theft When you go to the county office, be prepared to wait. Bring all documentation of your current balance, previous balance screenshots if you have them, and any bank statements showing when your benefits were deposited vs when they disappeared. I've been trying to call my worker for a follow-up on my case but it's impossible to get through on the county lines. I recently discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach a person at the CalFresh office. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 - it helped me finally talk to someone about my case after weeks of trying.

sorry this happened 2 u but ur supposed to report it within 4 days of noticing or they wont replace it just fyi. my cousin got her benefits stolen and didnt know til like a week later and they said she waited to long. its on the calfresh website somewhere about the time limit.

Call the EBT customer service number IMMEDIATELY: 1-877-328-9677. They can flag your account for suspicious activity and freeze any remaining benefits. Then get a new card issued right away. I work for a nonprofit that helps clients with CalFresh issues, and EBT theft has become extremely common in 2025. Thieves are using "ghost terminals" where they create fake point-of-sale devices that can drain your benefits. Always check your balance before and after shopping, and consider transferring smaller amounts to your EBT account more frequently if possible. For getting the store location, your county worker can access that detailed transaction data, but you'll need to request it specifically. The standard EBT transaction history doesn't show the store name or address, just the transaction type.

I had my benefits stolen twice last year and STILL waiting for replacement after 5 months!!! The system is BROKEN. The county workers don't care and just make excuses. They say "we're investigating" but nothing happens. They treat us like we're lying about the theft! You have to FIGHT for your rights. Demand to speak to a supervisor. Record every conversation (California is a two-party consent state so tell them you're recording). Keep ALL paperwork. Take pictures of everything you submit. The burden of proof is on YOU. And by the way, those emergency replacement benefits? HAHAHA good luck. They'll make you jump through 20 hoops and then tell you there's a "system error" or some other excuse.

This is why I always take my benefits out RIGHT AWAY when they hit my account and buy shelf-stable foods first thing. Can't steal what's not there anymore! But for your situation, yes definitely go in person to the county office. Much better than trying to call. Did you ever use your card at an ATM or did you only use it at stores? Some of the skimming happens at ATMs more than regular card readers from what I heard.

be carful when u go 2 the county offce, they might try 2 say u commited fraud yourself. my neighbor had her benafits stolenn and they acused her of selling her card. bring as much proof as u can that u had ur card the whole time!

Has anyone tried the new CalFresh Watchdog app? My worker told me about it when I was reporting my theft. Supposedly it sends you instant alerts whenever your EBT card is used so you know right away if there's fraud happening. I haven't tried it yet but I'm thinking about it after all this skimming stuff.