CalFresh EBT card skimming after using grocery delivery - Connection or coincidence?

Omg yes!!!! This happened to me too after I used FarmBox delivery. All $562 gone the day after I used it online. Called the EBT customer service and they were useless. Said I needed to file with the county. So frustrating

I work for a nonprofit that helps with CalFresh issues, and unfortunately, we're seeing a huge increase in EBT skimming cases in 2025. The connection to delivery services is interesting, but most skimming actually happens at physical card terminals with hidden skimming devices. Make sure you've done these things: 1. Report to BenefitsCal AND call the EBT customer service line to flag your account 2. Request a new card immediately with a different PIN 3. File a police report (this speeds up the investigation) 4. Ask your county worker for emergency replacement benefits while you wait The 90-day timeline is the maximum, but most determinations happen within 30-45 days if you've provided all documentation.

I had my card skimmed in March after using my CalFresh EBT at a regular grocery store - never used any delivery service. Lost $735. The county took almost exactly 30 days to complete the investigation and they did reimburse me fully. Make sure you check your BenefitsCal account daily for notices or requests for additional information. Also, they told me to always inspect the card reader before inserting my card and to change my PIN monthly. Apparently the skimming devices are getting really sophisticated and hard to detect.

Have u tried calling the county directly to get a status on ur claim? I spent 3 HOURS on hold last week just trying to reach someone about my recertification and kept getting disconnected!!! This system is literally DESIGNED to prevent us from getting help!!!

i dont think its the delivery service tbh...my card got skimmed and i NEVER used it online, only at the store. thieves put those little skimmer things on the card readers in stores that look exactly like the real thing. ive heard gas stations are really bad for this too

Happened to my cousin last year. She said the CalFresh office gave her emergency benefits while they investigated but only like half of what she normally gets. You should definitely ask about that when you call them. Better than nothing while you wait.

To protect yourself from future skimming, here are some best practices: 1. Check for loose or unusual parts on card readers before inserting your EBT card 2. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN 3. Sign up for EBT transaction alerts through the ConnectEBT app 4. Change your PIN immediately after using your card at a location you don't frequently visit 5. Consider withdrawing cash benefits (if you have them) all at once from secure locations like bank ATMs As for online grocery delivery services, they generally use encrypted systems, but it's still good practice to use your card on secure networks and check your balance frequently.

I used to work in cyber security and this is a HUGE problem now. These scammers target benefit programs specifically because they know the system is slow to respond and many families can't wait. One trick I learned is to transfer benefits to a separate EBT account if your county allows it - keep minimal funds on your main card and move money over as needed.

btw has anyone heard about that bill they were trying to pass to make EBT skimming reimbursement faster? whatever happened with that?