EBT benefits stolen after using card at gas station in San Bernardino - anyone else?

Yes! This happened to me last month after using my EBT at the ARCO on Baseline in San Bernardino. All $680 gone overnight. File the EBT-2259 form for benefit theft ASAP - you can download it from the BenefitsCal website or get it at your county office. They're required to replace stolen benefits within 10 days of receiving a completed form, not 30 days like they told you. Make sure to include the police report number if you filed one (which you should). The specific terminals at some gas stations in the IE have been compromised according to my worker.

my sister had hers stolen 2x in fontana and once in rialto ALL gas stations!! she switched to only using walmart and food 4 less now and hasnt had a problem since. the gas station owners dont care about security frfr

THEY WON'T HELP YOU!!! I had $932 stolen after using my card at Circle K in Redlands and it's been 47 DAYS with NO REPLACEMENT!! They keep saying "under review" but my family is STARVING! These county workers DON'T CARE about us - they just sit in their offices collecting paychecks while WE SUFFER!! The whole system is RIGGED against poor people!

Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to a real person at the county office? I was dealing with the same thing (stolen benefits after using a sketchy gas station ATM in Hesperia) and kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. My cousin told me about claimyr.com and they got me through to a live worker in like 15 minutes. They have this video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. The worker I spoke with immediately put in for emergency replacement benefits while the investigation was happening. Worth trying if you keep getting stuck on hold.

i think you shud go to the county office in person dont do the phone thing u will wait forever lol i went to the san bernardino TAD office on hospitality lane wen my benefits got stole ($580) and they gave me emergency benefits same day but i had to show ID and sign like 3 forms

File the EBT-2259 form immediately and request expedited replacement due to household hardship. This is crucial. Also, while you're waiting, contact local food banks for immediate assistance - here are some options in San Bernardino: 1. Community Action Partnership Food Bank (909-723-1580) 2. Salvation Army (909-888-1336) 3. Mary's Table (909-888-2800) For future reference, avoid using EBT at standalone ATMs or gas stations. According to CDSS data, over 68% of EBT theft in 2025 has occurred at these locations. Always use your card inside major grocery stores like Stater Bros, Albertsons, etc. You can also request a new card with a different number once this is resolved.

wait what about the rest of us who shop at gas stations??? i live in muscoy and theres only the 7-11 within walking distance for me. no car. am i just supposed to not eat???

This is unfortunately becoming a common issue with CalFresh benefits in the Inland Empire. Here's what you need to know about the current EBT theft situation: 1. Gas stations in San Bernardino County have seen higher rates of skimming devices according to the 2025 CDSS Fraud Report. The Highland Ave corridor has been specifically identified as a hotspot. 2. You must file the EBT-2259 form AND a police report. Despite what some comments suggest, both are required for expedited replacement under the new 2025 guidelines. 3. Under AB-1880, counties must provide replacement benefits within 10 business days of receiving a completed claim. 4. Request "immediate need" replacement when you submit your form - this indicates food insecurity and should prioritize your case. 5. The transaction history on your EBT account should show exactly where the fraudulent charges occurred - print this out as evidence. This is fixable, but you need to be persistent and follow the exact procedures.