CalFresh benefits stolen from EBT card - changed PIN but food portion still disappeared!

This has unfortunately become more common in 2025 with the new EBT card skimming devices. Yes, thieves can specifically target just the food portion because those transactions are processed differently than cash benefits. Here's what you need to do immediately: 1. Report the theft to the EBT Customer Service line (keep trying even if disconnected) 2. File a police report - this is REQUIRED for benefit replacement 3. Contact your county CalFresh office and report the theft (this is separate from the EBT card issuer) 4. Ask specifically for "EBT benefit theft replacement" under SB 1065 California now replaces stolen CalFresh benefits (up to two times per year), but you must report within 10 days of discovering the theft. The replacement can take 7-10 business days once all paperwork is processed.

The same thing happened to me last month!! I had to fight with the county for THREE WEEKS to get my benefits back. They kept saying they needed to "investigate" but my family couldn't eat investigations for dinner!!! Make sure you document EVERYTHING. Take screenshots of your EBT account showing the transactions you didn't make. The system is designed to make us give up!!!

This is definitely EBT skimming, which has been increasing dramatically. Even with a PIN change, if your card was skimmed before you changed it, they might have already captured your data. Some recommendations: 1. For immediate food assistance while waiting for replacement, contact local food banks - 211 can direct you to emergency resources 2. Request expedited replacement under hardship provisions (especially since you have children) 3. For future protection, check your EBT balance frequently and consider requesting a physical benefit theft replacement form (CF 303) from your county office to have on hand Replacement timeframes vary by county, but with a completed police report and proper documentation, it should be 5-7 business days. Unfortunately some counties are taking longer due to the recent increase in fraud cases.

wait they can steal just the food part?? how does that even work?? i thought if someone stole ur benefits they would take the cash part first since thats actual money??

I had this EXACT issue in March. Somebody took all $765 of my CalFresh benefits even though I never lost my physical card! I tried calling for THREE DAYS straight and kept getting disconnected or put on endless hold. Finally I found Claimyr.com which got me through to a real person at the county in about 10 minutes. They have a service that basically waits on hold for you then calls you when a worker picks up. Saved me HOURS of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Once I got through, the worker helped me file the theft report and I got my benefits replaced in about 6 days. Still sucked waiting that long, but at least I got them back.

Sorry this happened to you. MAKE SURE you report this within 10 days!! I lost my benefits last year and didn't know about the 10-day reporting requirement and they denied my claim. SB 1065 has strict timelines. Also, don't forget to ask about emergency food assistance while you wait for the replacement - most counties have a 3-day emergency food voucher program for families with children who experienced benefit theft. It's not much (usually about 25% of your monthly benefit) but it's something to help bridge the gap.

ATTENTION EVERYONE: This is happening ALL OVER my neighborhood right now!!! There's a whole ring of scammers hitting the Alameda County EBT system. My neighbor just told me 5 people in her building all had their CalFresh stolen last week!!! The county needs to fix their security!!!

Important update on this issue: As of April 2025, California implemented enhanced EBT security features, but cardholders need to request the new cards with chip technology. The old magnetic stripe cards are extremely vulnerable to skimming. When you contact your county office about the theft, specifically request a replacement card with the new chip security feature. This won't help with your current situation, but it will provide better protection going forward. Also, for anyone experiencing this: document every call attempt you make. Note the time, date, and how long you waited. This information can be used if you need to file a formal complaint about inaccessible services, which can sometimes expedite your case.

thats crazy they can just take the food part! when u get a new card make sure u change the pin right away at the office dont wait. also dont ever use those atms outside convenience stores those r getting skimmed like crazy rn. my sister had her benefits stolen TWICE before she figured out it was from using the atm by the gas station near her house!!