CalFresh EBT card skimmed AGAIN despite pin change - money stolen overnight!

This happened to me TWICE in April!!! The skimmers are getting more sophisticated - changing your PIN isn't enough anymore. You need to report it ASAP. CalFresh does replace stolen benefits now but you have to report within 10 days of noticing the theft. You'll need to: 1. Call the EBT customer service to report stolen benefits 2. File a police report (some counties require this) 3. Fill out the EBT-2259 form 4. Submit to your county office Good luck even reaching a human though...the phone system is absolute garbage. I spent THREE DAYS trying to get through.

this is why i always pull out all my benefits on the 1st and keep cash at home. cant trust the system at all. been on calfresh for 6 years, never leave money on the card overnight anymore

I went through this nightmare last month. The thing that worked for me was using Claimyr to get through to an actual CalFresh worker instead of the useless EBT hotline. I was skeptical at first but desperate after two days of trying to get through. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 and then go to claimyr.com. They got me through to a live person in about 15 minutes who could actually help process my claim. The county worker told me they've been overwhelmed with skimming reports lately.

I work for a CalFresh community assistance program, and unfortunately, we're seeing a huge spike in EBT theft. Here's what you need to know: 1. The 10-day reporting requirement is from the date you DISCOVER the theft, not from when it happened. 2. You'll need to submit Form EBT-2259 "EBT Benefit Theft Report" to your county office. 3. Under the new regulations established in AB 1958, California MUST replace your stolen benefits up to the full amount if properly reported. 4. While changing your PIN helps, the new skimming devices can sometimes capture both the card data AND your PIN. The safest method is to freeze your EBT card between uses using the BenefitsCal app or website. 5. Counties are required to provide an emergency allotment while your claim is being processed if you have no food, so be sure to mention this when you reach a worker.

omg i had the EXACT same thing happen!!! changed my pin on tuesday, woke up wednesday all gone. the govt doesnt care about us at all. been on hold 4 hours total over 2 days. how r we supposed to feed our kids???

I forgot to mention - when you submit your EBT-2259 form, make sure you attach your transaction history showing the fraudulent transactions. You can get this from the EBT app or have the customer service rep email it to you when you report the theft. My first claim got delayed because I didn't include this. And yes, I did eventually get my benefits back but it took 15 days. They're supposed to process it within 10 business days but they're so backed up with fraud cases.

Something important that hasn't been mentioned yet: when you get your replacement benefits, immediately transfer your EBT card to the BenefitsCal app's virtual card if possible. Not all counties have this feature yet, but if yours does, it provides much better security than the physical card. Also, the California Department of Social Services is recommending that recipients: 1. Check your EBT account frequently for suspicious activity 2. Freeze your card when not in use 3. Change your PIN monthly 4. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN 5. Check card readers for tampering before inserting your card These steps aren't foolproof, but they help reduce risk. Also, if you're approved for replacement benefits, you'll receive a Notice of Action explaining the approval and timeline.

wait does calfresh replace stolen money now? when my balance got stolen last year they told me it was just gone forever like a debit card

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know what happened in case it helps someone else. I followed the advice here and: 1. Called EBT customer service to report theft and freeze my account 2. Filed a police report online (took screenshots) 3. Went to my county office with the EBT-2259 form, police report, and transaction history 4. Explained I had no food for my kids They processed an emergency allotment right there! Got $313 loaded today to help until the full replacement goes through. The worker said they're seeing tons of these cases and recommended ALWAYS freezing the card when not actively shopping. Also said to never use the card at ATMs in gas stations or convenience stores as they're the most commonly compromised. Thanks everyone for your help during this nightmare!