CalFresh EBT card suddenly showing 'canceled' status but money was deposited - possible fraud?

This actually happened to me in February. Don't panic! There are a few possibilities here: 1. The EBT system might be having technical issues (this happens sometimes) 2. Your card might have been flagged for suspicious activity (since you mentioned using it at two different locations in 24 hours) 3. Your card might be expired or near expiration 4. It could potentially be fraud, but that's less common First, call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card (not the county office). They can tell you exactly why the card is showing as canceled and can issue a replacement if needed. If it is fraud, they can transfer the balance to a new card. Don't wait because if someone is trying to access your benefits, the freeze won't last forever.

the same thing happen to me!!!! i was at walmart and it said canceled and i had just got my benifits that morning!!!! i had to call the ebt people and they said my card was comprimised and someone in flordia was trying to use it!!! they had to send me a new card with a new pin and everything so CALL THE EBT NUMBER ASAP!!!

This is becoming more common with EBT cards unfortunately. There's been an increase in skimming devices placed on card readers that steal your information. If your card was compromised, call the EBT customer service immediately (866-328-9677). They can: 1. Confirm if the card was canceled due to suspected fraud 2. Issue a replacement card (takes 3-5 business days) 3. Restore any stolen benefits After you get this resolved, I recommend checking your EBT account regularly and changing your PIN periodically. Also, try to use your card at major grocery stores rather than small shops or gas stations where skimmers are more common.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now actually. Been on hold with the EBT customer service for over 40 minutes trying to get this sorted out. The fraud department has to verify some things before they can reactivate my card or send a new one. It's so frustrating because my kids are home for spring break and I need those groceries today, not in 5 days when a new card might arrive! 😠

anybody else notise theres been ALOT more of these scams lately?? my neighbor got her whole months benefits stolen last month and the county said they cant replace them!!! this is getting ridiculous they need to make these cards more secure!!!!

@OP - any updates? Were you able to get through to EBT customer service? I hope they were able to protect your benefits.

For everyone in this thread - there are some important steps to protect your EBT benefits: 1. Check your EBT account regularly (at least weekly) 2. Change your PIN every 3 months 3. Never share your PIN or card info with anyone 4. Be careful about which card readers you use (avoid gas stations and standalone ATMs) 5. Sign up for EBT text alerts to be notified of all transactions 6. Consider freezing your card through the app when not in use Also, CalFresh recipients are entitled to benefit replacement if benefits are stolen due to fraud. You must report it within 10 days and file a police report. Request form CF 303 from your county office to apply for replacement benefits.

I'm so glad you were able to get this resolved quickly! This is exactly why I always recommend people freeze their EBT cards immediately if they see anything suspicious. It's scary how common this is becoming. For anyone else reading this thread, another tip is to cover your PIN when entering it at card readers - scammers sometimes use tiny cameras to record PIN entries along with the card skimming devices. Also, if a card reader looks loose, has tape around it, or seems different from usual, don't use it and report it to the store manager. Thanks for updating us @Ava Thompson - your experience will definitely help other people know what to do if this happens to them!