EBT account drained TWICE - funds stolen same day benefits loaded! Is EBT fraud helpline open today?

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Yes, the EBT Customer Service line (1-877-328-9677) is open today until 11:00pm. This is definitely card skimming fraud, which has gotten really bad in California. When the same thing happened to me last year, I learned you need to: 1. Report it IMMEDIATELY as fraud 2. Request a replacement card with a NEW card number 3. Ask specifically about 'benefit replacement' due to theft California now has a policy to replace stolen benefits if you report it within 10 days, but you have to be persistent. They might ask when and where you last used your card successfully. Document everything - write down who you speak with and what they tell you.

omg this happened to my sister too!!! she thinks someone put a skimmer on the ATM where she checked her balance. now she NEVER checks her balance at store machines, only uses the app. also change ur pin right away when u get the new card and dont make it something easy like ur bday.

This is unfortunately a growing problem with EBT accounts. The thieves are using skimming devices attached to card readers or creating fake card reader overlays at stores where you shop. They capture your card number and somehow get your PIN as well (possibly with hidden cameras). As of October 2023, California law DOES allow for benefit replacement when electronic theft occurs, but you must: 1. File a police report - this is critical 2. Report to EBT Customer Service within 10 days 3. Complete the "EBT-2259 Stolen Benefits form" 4. Submit the completed form to your county office Be very specific that this is ELECTRONIC THEFT, not that you lost your card. There's a difference in how they handle replacement. The county has 10 days to process your claim once received. If approved, they'll replace up to two months of stolen benefits within a 12-month period.

have u tried calling your county office directly instead of the ebt customer service? sometimes they can help faster. also CHECK YOUR TRANSACTION HISTORY for where the money was spent, might help if u need to file a police report

Try using Claimyr to get through to a CalFresh worker faster. When my benefits were stolen, I kept getting disconnected too until I found this service. They basically wait on hold for you and call you back when a real person is on the line. I used it at claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 BTW make sure you explain this is the second time it's happened - they might flag your account for extra security or investigation. My worker told me they've been seeing patterns where the same accounts get hit multiple times.

Honestly this is ridiculous!! The system is BROKEN if this keeps happening to people. Benefits are SUPPOSED to help us feed our children, not get stolen by criminals while the government does nothing! I had $600 stolen in February and guess what? STILL fighting to get it replaced. I've submitted the form THREE TIMES and they keep saying they never received it. Meanwhile my kids went hungry for DAYS! You know what I had to do? I went to the NEWSPAPER and told them about it. Only THEN did my county worker suddenly "find" my paperwork and process my claim. It's DISGUSTING how they treat us!!!

Just an FYI - once you report the theft, you might qualify for emergency replacement benefits while your claim is being processed. Ask specifically about "expedited replacement" due to hardship. They can sometimes issue a partial replacement within 3 days if you explain that your family has no food. Also, going forward, here are some security tips: 1. Change your PIN regularly (monthly) 2. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN anywhere 3. Check for loose or suspicious card readers before inserting your card 4. Use the BenefitsCal app to check your balance instead of ATMs 5. Set up alerts so you get a text/email notification whenever there's a transaction Wishing you the best - please update us on what happens!

I'm so sorry this happened to you Isabella! This is absolutely heartbreaking and unfortunately way too common. I went through something similar last year and want to share what worked for me. First, don't give up on calling - the fraud line IS open today but it's swamped. Try calling right when they open at 7am or later in the evening around 9-10pm when call volume is lower. When you do get through, use these exact words: "I need to report ELECTRONIC BENEFIT THEFT and request form EBT-2259 for benefit replacement." Since this is your second time, definitely mention that - they should flag your account for extra monitoring. Also ask them to completely change your card number, not just issue a new card with the same number. For immediate help with groceries, contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they can connect you with local food banks and emergency food assistance that can help your family eat while you sort this out. Many churches and community centers also have food pantries that don't require paperwork. You WILL get through this, and with the new California law, you should be able to get your benefits replaced. Stay strong! 💙