EBT theft alert! My CalFresh benefits disappeared this morning - anyone else?

omg yes!!! this happened to my cousin last week!!! they got all $387 taken at some random liquor store in a city she never goes to. ebt theft is everywhere right now!!

Sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately, EBT theft has been increasing in 2025. You need to: 1) Report the theft to EBT Customer Service at 1-877-328-9677 immediately to cancel your card, 2) File a police report and get a case number, 3) Contact your county CalFresh office to report the theft and request benefit replacement. They'll need you to complete form CF 303 "Request for Replacement of Benefits Stolen from EBT Account." Important: You must report within 10 days of discovering the theft, and you should get replacement benefits within about 10 business days if your claim is approved. Make sure to change your PIN to something that's not obvious (not birth dates or simple sequences).

They probly skimmed ur card. Happened to me twice already this year, thieves put these little devices on the card readers at stores that steal ur info when u swipe. always check the card readers b4 u use them now

This is EXACTLY why I always take all my benefits out on the 1st day now!! The system is completely broken and the county does NOTHING to protect us. I had $600 stolen in January and it took almost 2 MONTHS to get it back while my kids went hungry. They make you fill out a million forms and basically treat YOU like the criminal. And guess what? Even with a police report they will question everything you say. The whole CalFresh system is just waiting to blame the victims!!!

Just want to clarify something important - while taking all benefits out at once is one approach, it's actually safer to leave them on your EBT card and just be vigilant about checking your account regularly. As of 2025, California has improved theft protection policies, and replacement of stolen benefits is now prioritized much faster than before (10 business days in most counties). Also, when you report EBT theft now, they're required to provide emergency expedited benefits within 3 days if you have less than $100 in resources and qualify for expedited service. Make sure to specifically request this when you talk to your caseworker.

Try using Claimyr to get through to an actual CalFresh worker faster. I was in your exact situation last month and spent days trying to reach someone. With Claimyr (claimyr.com) they got me connected to a real person in about 15 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. The worker I reached processed my emergency replacement request right away instead of making me wait.

Just fyi i work at a grocery store and we've seen TONS of ebt theft lately. the thieves are getting super sophisticated. some things to protect yourself: - never enter your pin if someone is standing too close - cover the keypad with your hand when entering pin - check for loose or weird-looking card readers - change your pin every few months - check your balance frequently through the app Also if you're really desperate before your benefits get replaced, try calling 211 to find food banks near you. Many have emergency food boxes specifically for situations like this.

Update: I finally got through to someone at the county after THREE HOURS on hold. They confirmed there's been a huge spike in EBT theft across California this month. The worker said they're looking into a possible data breach at certain retailers but wouldn't tell me which ones. Here's what I learned about the process: 1. They're issuing me a new card that will arrive in 5-7 business days 2. I had to file the CF 303 form for stolen benefits 3. Since I have minor children and less than $100 available, I qualify for emergency replacement benefits that should be available within 3 days on my new card 4. They'll investigate the fraudulent transaction which could take up to 30 days In the meantime, they gave me the locations of three food banks near me for emergency assistance. This whole situation is so stressful!

this is y i always spend my benefits as soon as they hit my account now cant steal what aint there lol