EBT card fraud drained my CalFresh benefits TWICE - any help getting emergency replacement?

Unfortunately this has been happening a LOT lately with CalFresh EBT cards. When you report it, make sure to specifically ask for \

Thank you! I did get a new card after the first time but somehow it still happened again! I'll definitely ask about the expedited replacement benefits - had no idea that was even a thing. I've been on hold with the county for almost 2 hours now 😩

omg this happened 2 me last yr!!!! they took all $342 and the county made me wait 3 whole weeks b4 i got anything back. said they had 2 do a 'investigation' whatever that means. i had to go to food banks meantime

Same! They kept saying

Really wish I could go in person but I work 9-5 and our county office closes at 4:30! Might have to take a day off though if this doesn't get resolved soon.

EBT card fraud is a major issue in 2025. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself and get your benefits back faster:\n\n1. File a police report immediately - many counties now require this for fraud claims over $500\n2. Request a new EBT card with completely different card number (not just a replacement of the same number)\n3. When you call, specifically request \

Thank you SO much for all this detailed info! I didn't know about the geographic restriction option - that would be perfect since I only shop locally. Will definitely request that and use the exact phrase you suggested.

When this happened to me in December, I spent DAYS trying to reach someone at the county office. The phone lines were always busy or would disconnect after being on hold forever. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that held my place in line and got a caseworker to call me back in about 30 minutes! They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. The caseworker told me that fraud cases get priority if you specifically mention having no food for children in the household, and they replaced my benefits within 48 hours.

Does this actually work? I'm skeptical of any service that claims to get through to CalFresh workers when their phone system is literally designed to make you give up lol

It honestly did work for me. I was shocked because I'd been trying for 3 days on my own with no luck. The callback came from the actual county office number too.

YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR CARD!!! My caseworker told me people are installing skimmers EVERYWHERE now. Never let your card out of your sight, always cover the keypad when entering PIN, and check your balance every single day so you catch fraud early. Also did you know you can now freeze/unfreeze your EBT card through the EBT mobile app? I freeze mine whenever I'm not actively using it.

Wait, there's a freeze option in the app?? I had no idea! Just downloaded the app and found the freeze feature. This is a game changer - thank you!!!

i heard they only investigate if its over $400 now cause theyre so backed up with fraud cases. my cousin only got $180 stolen and they basically told her too bad so sad, not worth investigating for that amount

That's not correct. The county is required to investigate ALL reported EBT fraud regardless of amount. However, cases over $400 may be referred to a specialized fraud unit which can sometimes process claims faster. If anyone tells you they won't investigate because the amount is too small, ask to speak with a supervisor immediately and cite MPP Section 16-705 which requires investigation of all benefit theft claims.

have u tried calling the state EBT customer service instead of the county? sometimes they can help faster with fraud stuff. the number should b on the back of ur card

I tried them first actually! They told me they could cancel the card but for fraud investigations and benefit replacement I have to go through the county directly. So frustrating that they can't help more.

Does anyone know if these fraud incidents affect your future eligibility? I'm worried because this happened to me twice too, and my recertification is coming up next month. I'm concerned they'll think I'm somehow involved in the fraud or something.

Being a victim of EBT fraud does NOT affect your eligibility or recertification at all. It's treated completely separately from your case management. Just make sure all fraud is properly reported through official channels. You have nothing to worry about for your upcoming recertification - these are considered theft cases against the state, not against you personally.

UPDATE: Finally got through to a real person at the county! I used the specific phrase about expedited replacement due to hardship with children that someone suggested here, and they're issuing emergency benefits today! Should be available on my card by tomorrow. They're also sending me another new card and suggested I create a separate PIN for online purchases versus in-store purchases to add another layer of security. Thank you all SO much for your help!

That's great news! One more tip - when you get your new card, immediately register it on the EBT mobile app and set up text alerts for ALL transactions. That way you'll know instantly if there's any suspicious activity. Glad the county came through with the expedited replacement!

so happy 4 u!!! gonna try that special phrase next time they mess up my benefits too lol