EBT card PIN theft attempt - how to report CalFresh fraud?
Just had the scariest experience with my CalFresh EBT card! Someone must have skimmed my card at the store because I got a notification from the BenefitsCal app showing a failed transaction attempt with the WRONG PIN! They tried 3 times before it locked. I still have my physical card in my wallet, so they must have made a copy somehow. My January benefits ($578) just loaded yesterday and I can't afford to lose them. How do I report this fraud attempt? Do I need to get a replacement card ASAP? Will this affect my upcoming recertification next month?
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Liam Fitzgerald
You need to call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card IMMEDIATELY (1-877-328-9677) and report the fraud attempt. They'll deactivate your current card and send you a new one. Also request a PIN change right away. This happened to me last year and they were able to protect my benefits, but only because I caught it fast. And yes, definitely get a replacement card.
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Mei Lin
•Thanks for the quick reply! I just called that number but got stuck in the automated system for 20 minutes before it disconnected me. Going to try again but I'm panicking about someone stealing my benefits before I can get through.
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GalacticGuru
omg this exact thing happend to me last month!!! they tried using my card at some liquor store across town. definitely call EBT fraud department not just regular customer service. the number is 1-800-786-9199 for CalFresh fraud reporting
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Mei Lin
•Thank you! Did they give you emergency replacement benefits while they investigated? I have literally $12 cash until next payday and my kids need to eat.
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Amara Nnamani
I work at a community resource center that helps with CalFresh issues. Here are the steps you need to take: 1. Call EBT Customer Service (1-877-328-9677) to deactivate your card 2. Report the fraud to the Welfare Fraud Hotline: 1-800-344-8477 3. File a police report - you may need this for the investigation 4. Request an emergency replacement card from your county office 5. Document the notification you received showing the failed attempts This will NOT affect your recertification, but make sure to mention this incident during your interview so it's documented in your case file. Benefit theft attempts have increased 45% this year according to our county records.
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Mei Lin
•Thank you for all this detailed info! I didn't realize I should file a police report too. Will the county office be able to issue me a temporary card today or will I have to wait for mail?
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Giovanni Mancini
ur lucky the pin didnt work for them! my sister got her entire $897 stolen last yr and it took 3 MONTHS to get it back. the county made her fill out like 10 different forms and kept saying they were investigating. make sure u change ur pin to something random not ur birthday or address
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Mei Lin
•That's terrifying! I'll definitely use a completely random PIN this time. Did she have to go without benefits during those 3 months?
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Fatima Al-Suwaidi
I've been trying to call my county office about a different CalFresh issue and kept getting disconnected after waiting 45+ minutes. Finally tried Claimyr.com and they actually got me connected to a live person at the county in less than 10 minutes. They have a demo video here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. For fraud issues like yours, you definitely need to talk to an actual human ASAP, not just the automated system.
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Mei Lin
•Thank you for the suggestion! Just checked it out and seems worth trying since I'm still unable to get through to anyone. I'll try it after one more attempt with the regular number.
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Dylan Cooper
BE CAREFUL!!!! There's a big scam going around right now where thieves are putting fake card readers at grocery store payment terminals to steal EBT information. I work at Food4Less and we found one last week!!! Always check if the card reader looks loose or different before inserting your card. And NEVER EVER give your PIN to ANYONE who calls you claiming to be from CalFresh - the county will NEVER ask for your PIN over the phone!!!
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Mei Lin
•Oh my god, that must be what happened! I used my card at a new store last week and the machine did seem a little wobbly. I thought it was just old. Thank you for the warning.
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Sofia Morales
Happened 2 me twice last yr. The county gave me replacement $$ but took almost 2 weeks. Make sure u tell them u have no food so they mark it URGENT. also change where u shop, someone at that store might be stealing card #s
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Mei Lin
•Thanks for the tip about mentioning I have no food! I'll definitely emphasize that when I finally get through to someone. And you're right, I'm never shopping at that store again.
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Liam Fitzgerald
UPDATE: I finally got through to the county using the Claimyr service mentioned above. They took my fraud report, deactivated my old card, are sending a new one with expedited shipping, and put a note on my account about the fraud attempt. The worker also told me my recertification next month won't be affected at all. Just wanted to update everyone in case someone else has this problem!
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Mei Lin
•Thank you so much for updating! I actually just finished doing the same thing. They're sending me a new card and said my benefits are protected. Such a relief! They also told me to change my BenefitsCal password just in case.
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