EBT card drained by thieves in NY while I'm in San Diego - now blocked with only 50¢ left!
I'm literally in tears right now. Just checked my CalFresh EBT card balance yesterday and discovered someone had stolen EVERYTHING but 50 cents! I'm in San Diego but somehow these thieves spent all my food money in NEW YORK?!? How is this even possible??? I immediately called the fraud number, but they just blocked my card and said I have to wait for a new one in the mail while they 'investigate.' I have two kids at home and NOTHING to feed them for the next however many days until this gets sorted. Has anyone else dealt with EBT theft across states? Will I even get that money back or are my benefits just GONE for the month? The county worker wasn't clear at all about timeline or if I'll be reimbursed. I'm desperate!
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Felix Grigori
I'm so sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately, EBT theft is becoming more common with skimming devices. California passed a law that requires them to replace stolen benefits, but you need to follow specific steps: 1. File a police report (even though you already reported to EBT fraud line) 2. Complete the EBT-2259 form from your county office 3. Submit everything within 90 days of the theft Once you submit the paperwork, they should replace the stolen benefits within 10 business days. In the meantime, call 211 to find local food banks and emergency food assistance - many can provide immediate help while you wait.
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Savannah Glover
•Thank you!! Is the EBT-2259 form something I can download or do I need to go in person? They didn't mention anything about a police report when I called, just told me to wait 🙄 This is so stressful
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Felicity Bud
this happened to me last year to!! they took $750 and spent it all at walmart in tennessee when i live in california. i had to wait almost 3 WEEKS to get my money back. total bs. the system is broke af
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Felix Grigori
You can download the EBT-2259 form from the BenefitsCal website or get it from your county office. I recommend calling your specific county CalFresh office directly to ask about expediting the process - sometimes they can issue emergency replacement benefits more quickly when children are involved. Make sure to mention you have kids at home with no food.
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Savannah Glover
•I've been trying to call San Diego County all morning and can't get through! Just automated system and then disconnects. So frustrating when my kids are hungry NOW.
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Max Reyes
If you have kids, immediately contact your local WIC office too if you're eligible. Also try emergency CalFresh - they can sometimes approve you for expedited benefits within 3 days if you qualify (income below $150/month and less than $100 in resources). For immediate help TODAY, most school districts have emergency meal programs even if school isn't in session.
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Mikayla Davison
I used to work at San Diego County and the phone system is horrible. Have you tried Claimyr? It's a service that gets you through to a real CalFresh worker without the endless hold times. I found it when I was helping my mom with her CalFresh case last month. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 or just go to claimyr.com - they got me through to a worker in about 10 minutes when I had been trying for days. For something urgent like this, it's worth not waiting another week just to talk to someone.
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Savannah Glover
•Just looked it up - THANK YOU!!! Going to try this right now because I really can't wait any longer.
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Adrian Connor
THESE SCAMMERS R EVERYWHERE NOW!! my cousin got her entire account drained last month. make sure u change ur pin # when u get the new card they gonna send u. and never use the card at sketchy atms or stores
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Aisha Jackson
Don't they have cameras at the stores in NY where they used your card? Seems like they should be able to catch these people!
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Felix Grigori
•Unfortunately, most EBT skimming theft doesn't involve the actual physical card. Thieves use devices that copy card data when you swipe at legitimate terminals, then create duplicate cards. They rarely investigate individual cases with video footage unless it's part of a larger operation.
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Ryder Everingham
I went through this exact situation in January. Here's what ultimately worked: I called my Assembly Member's office (state rep) and explained the emergency. Their constituent services team contacted CalFresh directly and got my replacement benefits approved in 48 hours instead of weeks. Also try local churches - many have food pantries that don't require any paperwork for emergency situations.
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Savannah Glover
•I never would have thought of calling my Assembly Member! That's really smart. I'm going to try that AND the Claimyr thing someone mentioned. At this point I'll try anything to feed my kids.
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Felicity Bud
tbh the whole system is designed to make u wait and suffer. they really dont care about us. i had to borrow money from everyone i knew when my benefits got stolen. so humiliating
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Max Reyes
Quick update on the current law: California Assembly Bill 1518 requires county agencies to replace stolen benefits within 10 business days once you submit the EBT-2259 form. However, there's a limit of two theft reimbursements per year, and the maximum replacement is $4,000 per incident. Make sure to document everything and follow up consistently - keep calling until you get clear answers.
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Savannah Glover
•Thank you for this specific info! I finally got through to someone at the county office using that Claimyr service (worked exactly like they said it would). The worker told me I'll get the replacement benefits within 5-7 business days once they verify the fraud. She also helped me apply for emergency assistance through a local program for the interim. Such a relief!
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Aisha Jackson
this happened to my neighbor and the new card took almost 2 weeks to arrive!! might wanna check about getting it sent faster somehow
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Felix Grigori
Glad you got through! For future reference (for everyone reading this), here are some prevention tips: 1. Change your PIN regularly 2. Check your balance frequently to catch fraud early 3. Consider transferring benefits to a separate account after they arrive 4. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN 5. Avoid using EBT at gas stations when possible (highest skimming rates) Also, the state is working on implementing chip cards for EBT which should help reduce theft significantly once rolled out in late 2025.
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Savannah Glover
•These are great tips, thank you! I had no idea about gas stations being high risk. Will definitely be more careful when I get my new card. And it's about time they added chips to EBT cards!
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