EBT card benefits stolen at Walmart - How do I report and get emergency replacement?

I'm so sorry this happened to you! You need to call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card IMMEDIATELY (1-877-328-9677) to report the fraud and get your card canceled. Then separately call your county CalFresh office to report the theft. Under California rules, they can replace stolen electronic benefits if you report within 10 days of discovery. Make sure you get a police report too - they'll likely need that for the replacement process. Document everything including the fraudulent transactions (screenshot the EBT transaction history if you can).

OMFG THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME LAST MONTH!!! my benefits got stolen at a walmart in another state!! I had a NIGHTMARE getting them back. the county office gave me the runaround for 3 WEEKS saying they 'needed to investigate' while my kids were hungry!!! This is happening EVERYWHERE and the system doesnt care. The EBT cards have no chip protection like regular credit cards. Its insane!!

I hate to add another complication, but be very careful about where you used your card recently. A lot of EBT skimming happens at self-checkout terminals where thieves install tiny skimmers. That's probably how they got your info if you still have your physical card. When you get your new card, ALWAYS cover your PIN when entering it and try to use regular checkout lanes with cashiers when possible.

I work with CalFresh recipients regularly, and unfortunately, EBT theft is increasing dramatically. Here's exactly what you need to do: 1. You've already reported to EBT customer service for card cancellation - good. 2. Next, file a police report online or at your local station. 3. Take that report to your county office ASAP and specifically request "emergency replacement benefits" under the theft/misfortune provision. 4. If they say they need to investigate first, request expedited emergency benefits due to hardship (having children with no food qualifies). By law, they should process emergency benefits within 3 business days once you have the police report. If they refuse or delay, ask to speak to a supervisor and mention CF regulations Section 63-602.6 which covers benefit replacement.

Try calling the Claimyr service to get through to a real CalFresh worker faster. I was on hold for 3 hours trying to report my stolen benefits last month, but Claimyr got me through to a person in minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Their website is claimyr.com - it saved me so much stress when I was in your situation.

dont go to walmart anymore for ebt!!! my cousin works for the county and says walmart has the most card theft of ANY store. thieves target them bc the self checkout machines are easy to tamper with and nobody watches them

Make sure you request a replacement card with a NEW account number, not just a replacement with the same account. When my benefits were stolen last year, they initially just sent a new card with the same account number, which meant the thieves who had my info could still access my account even with my new card.

UPDATE FOR EVERYONE: California just passed new EBT theft protections that will take effect in August 2025. The new system will include better fraud detection, automatic text alerts for suspicious transactions, and faster benefit replacement. Until then, remember that CalFresh is required to replace stolen benefits if: 1. You report within 10 days of discovering the theft 2. You have documentation (police report) 3. You did not share your PIN or give your card to someone else They must make a determination within 10 days of your report.

I'm so sorry this happened to you - EBT theft is unfortunately becoming really common and it's terrifying when you have kids to feed. Just wanted to add that when you go to the county office tomorrow, bring multiple forms of ID and any documentation you have about your usual shopping patterns (like receipts from your local Safeway). Some offices are more helpful than others, so if the first person you talk to isn't giving you clear answers about emergency benefits, politely ask to speak with a supervisor or case manager. Also, many food banks can provide emergency food assistance while you're waiting for your benefits to be replaced - you don't need to prove income loss, just that you're in immediate need. Oakland has several good food banks that can help bridge the gap. Stay strong, you're doing everything right!

I'm really sorry this happened to you - EBT theft is becoming way too common and it's such a violation when you're already struggling. One thing I wanted to add that might help immediately: if you have any family or friends who can lend you some cash for groceries while you wait, CalFresh allows you to pay them back once your benefits are restored. I know it's hard to ask for help, but most people understand this kind of emergency. Also, check if your kids' school has a weekend backpack program or if they can get free breakfast/lunch even during breaks - many Oakland schools continue meal programs during holidays. The Salvation Army on International Blvd also does emergency food boxes and they're really fast about it. You shouldn't have to wait weeks to feed your family while the system sorts this out. Sending you strength - you've got this!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - EBT theft is absolutely devastating when you have a family to feed. Since you're in Oakland, I wanted to share some immediate resources that might help while you're waiting for your benefits to be replaced. The Alameda County Social Services Agency has an emergency food assistance program that can provide same-day help for families with children - their Oakland office is at 1925 San Pablo Ave and they're usually pretty responsive to EBT theft cases. Also, St. Mary's Center on Jefferson Street does emergency food distribution and they specifically help families in crisis situations like yours. You can call them at (510) 834-9455 and explain your situation. The most important thing right now is getting that police report and getting to your county office ASAP - but please don't let your kids go hungry while you're fighting the bureaucracy. These theft cases are happening so frequently that most local organizations are very familiar with the situation and want to help bridge the gap. Stay strong!