EBT card hacked on first deposit day - will CalFresh replace stolen benefits?
I'm freaking out right now!! Just got my very first CalFresh benefits loaded onto my EBT card this morning. Was SO excited to finally go grocery shopping (my fridge is literally empty) and when I checked my balance at the store, almost everything was GONE!!! Someone somehow used my benefits before I even got a chance to buy food! I had $463 and now there's only $27 left. Called the EBT customer service number but got disconnected twice. Has anyone dealt with EBT theft/fraud before? Will CalFresh replace my stolen benefits? I have 3 kids and was counting on this food money to get us through the month. I don't even understand how someone could hack my card when I've never used it!
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Nia Jackson
Yes, they can replace stolen benefits! This happened to me last year. You need to report it ASAP by calling the EBT customer service (1-877-328-9677) and tell them your benefits were stolen. They'll have you fill out a form and submit a police report. Once you submit everything, they should credit your account with the stolen amount within 10 business days. Make sure you have dates and exact amount stolen. Keep calling if you get disconnected, the morning hours are usually better to get through.
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Luca Romano
•omg thank you so much!! I've been trying to call but keep getting disconnected or put on hold forever. Did you actually have to go file a police report in person? That sounds really complicated and i don't have transportation right now.
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NebulaNova
OMG that is terrible!! How does that even happen?? Don't they have security on those cards?? I've had CalFresh for 6 months and always worried about this. Did you tell anyone your PIN or leave your card somewhere? I'm so paranoid now I'm gonna check my balance right after I post this!
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Luca Romano
•I NEVER gave my PIN to anyone and never even used the card yet! That's what's so scary. I've been reading online about "skimming" where thieves put devices on store card readers or ATMs. But I haven't even used mine so I have no idea how they got my info. Just got the card in the mail last week and was saving it for a big grocery trip today. ðŸ˜
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Mateo Hernandez
The same exact thing happened to my neighbor! Turns out someone bought stuff in a completely different city. Make sure when you report it that you explain you've NEVER used the card - that's important for them to know its 100% fraud. Also change your PIN immediately even tho you're getting a replacement card.
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Aisha Khan
•I had this happen and the purchases were made in Florida... I live in California! The fraud department will ask where YOU were when the purchases were made so have that info ready. I keep my new card in one of those RFID-blocking sleeves now.
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Ethan Taylor
this happened to me too i was soooo mad. they WILL replace but it takes foreeeever. like 2-3 weeks for me. if u have kids call ur county worker directly tell them u have no food for kids might help speed things up
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Yuki Ito
•After trying to reach my county CalFresh worker for days about a similar situation (had benefits stolen last month), I finally found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual person in about 10 minutes instead of waiting on hold forever or getting disconnected. Just go to claimyr.com and they'll call the office for you and get you connected to a worker. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Seriously saved me so much frustration and the worker was able to expedite my replacement benefits because I had kids.
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Carmen Lopez
I work for a community resource center that helps with CalFresh issues. Here's what you need to know: 1. Report the theft to EBT Customer Service immediately (sounds like you've tried - keep trying) 2. File a police report - many departments let you do this online now 3. Request form 303 - Statement of Stolen Benefits 4. Submit everything to your county office 5. Request expedited replacement due to hardship with children The county has 10 days to replace benefits after receiving your completed paperwork. In cases with children, they can expedite. Also, make sure you're clear that this is EBT SNAP/CalFresh benefits theft, not CalWORKs cash benefits, as the replacement processes are slightly different.
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Luca Romano
•Thank you for this detailed info. I didn't know about form 303. Yes, it's definitely the food benefits (CalFresh/SNAP) not cash aid. I don't receive CalWORKs, just the food assistance. Will they give me a new card too or just reload the stolen amount onto my current card?
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AstroAdventurer
When my cousins sister got her benefits stolen they said she waited too long to report it (it was like 5 days) and they wouldn't replace them!!!!! So report it RIGHT NOW don't wait even a day!!!
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Nia Jackson
•This is correct - you must report within 10 days of discovering the theft. The sooner the better. But to clarify for others reading this thread - it's not 10 days from when the benefits were stolen, but 10 days from when you *discovered* the theft. Still, reporting immediately is always best for faster resolution and less questions.
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NebulaNova
wait i'm confused are we talking about CalFresh or CalWorks?? Arent those different things? I thought CalFresh was just food and CalWorks was the cash money? Which one got stolen?
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Carmen Lopez
•You're correct that they're different programs. CalFresh (formerly Food Stamps, also called SNAP federally) is food benefits only and can only be used to purchase food items. CalWORKs provides cash aid. Both can be on the same EBT card but in separate accounts. The OP is specifically talking about CalFresh/food benefits being stolen. The replacement process is similar but has some differences depending on which benefit type was stolen.
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Mateo Hernandez
Update us on what happens with your case! I'm going through the replacement process right now too (got skimmed at a grocery store ATM I think). It's been 8 days since I submitted all the paperwork and still waiting. Hope you get your benefits back soon!
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Luca Romano
•Will definitely update. I'm calling non-stop trying to get through to report it. So frustrating that there's no easy way to report theft online! Sorry you're going through this too. Did they tell you how much longer you'll have to wait?
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Andre Dupont
This is becoming EXTREMELY common with EBT cards because they DON'T HAVE CHIP TECHNOLOGY like regular debit/credit cards!! The state saves money by using outdated magnetic stripe technology that's super easy to hack. I've had my benefits stolen TWICE in 2025 already!! They really need to upgrade the security on these cards but they don't care because it's poor people using them. The county offices act like it's OUR fault when their system is completely insecure!!
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Nia Jackson
•This is an important point. While California has announced plans to upgrade EBT cards with chip technology by late 2025/early 2026, currently our cards are more vulnerable than standard bank cards. Until then, safety tips include: 1. Change your PIN regularly 2. Check your balance frequently 3. Never share your PIN or card information 4. Be cautious at card readers - check for skimming devices 5. Keep your card in an RFID blocking sleeve when not in use While it's frustrating, documenting these incidents helps demonstrate the need for faster security upgrades.
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Luca Romano
UPDATE: Finally got through to EBT customer service after using that Claimyr service someone recommended. They froze my current card, are sending me a new one, and gave me a claim number for the stolen benefits. They said I need to go to my county office with ID and the police report number (was able to file online thankfully). Still worried about feeding my kids in the meantime, but at least the process is started. Thanks everyone for the help and advice!
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Carmen Lopez
•Great first step! When you go to the county office, specifically ask for an "emergency replacement due to household hardship with minor children." This can sometimes speed up the process. Also ask if there are any local food banks or emergency food assistance programs they can refer you to while waiting for the replacement benefits. Most counties have emergency food resources they can connect you with immediately. Glad you were able to start the process!
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Avery Saint
I'm so sorry this happened to you! This is unfortunately becoming way too common. A few additional tips that might help while you're waiting: 1. Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they can connect you with local emergency food resources and food banks in your area that can help immediately 2. Check with your kids' schools - many have weekend food backpack programs or can connect you with emergency food assistance 3. Some churches and community centers provide emergency food boxes even if you're not a member 4. WIC offices sometimes have emergency food vouchers if you qualify Also, when you get your replacement card, consider setting up account alerts if available, and check your balance before AND after every transaction. I know it's scary and frustrating, but the community has given you great advice and you're taking the right steps. Keep us updated on how it goes!
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