EMERGENCY: EBT card fraudulently used at 5:30am - all my CalFresh benefits stolen while I was sleeping!

omg im so sorry this happened to u!! i heard about this happening to some1 at my kids school too. thieves are getting really good at stealing card info. u need to call the EBT customer service line ASAP and report it stolen!

You need to take these steps immediately: 1. Call the EBT customer service number at 1-877-328-9677 right away to report unauthorized transactions and have your card deactivated. This is the fraud line, not the regular CalFresh number. 2. Request a new EBT card - they'll mail one, but you can also go to your county office for immediate replacement. 3. File a police report - this is important for the claim process. 4. Complete a "Claim of Stolen Benefits" form (EBT 2259) - your county office has these. You'll need to list the fraudulent transactions. Unfortunately, the investigation can take up to 30 days but they will typically restore benefits if it's determined to be fraud. Keep all documentation of everything. This is happening more frequently with card skimmers. Never use your EBT card at sketchy ATMs or card readers that look tampered with.

THE EXACT SAME THING happened to me in January!!! They took $623 while I was at work!!! I did everything they said - filed police report, did the claim form, called the number - and guess what? I STILL HAVEN'T GOTTEN MY MONEY BACK after 4 months of "investigation"!!! Every time I call they say "it's still being processed" or "we need more information" or some other EXCUSE!!! The system is BROKEN and they DON'T CARE that our families are going hungry!!! I had to borrow money from everyone I know just to feed my kids that month!!

I had this happen back in October and got my benefits back in about 2 weeks. The key is documenting EVERYTHING and being persistent. You need to call every few days to check status. Also, make sure when you file the claim form that you're very specific about why there's no way you could have made those purchases (like you were sleeping, at work with witnesses, etc). They're looking for proof it wasn't you. BTW I started using Claimyr.com to actually reach a human at CalFresh about my case. They connect you directly to a worker so you don't have to wait on hold forever. Saved me hours of frustration when I was trying to follow up. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Good luck and don't give up! They should replace those benefits.

Yes it actually does! I was skeptical too but when I used it they got me through to an actual caseworker in like 15 minutes when I'd been trying for days. Definitely worth it when you're dealing with something urgent like stolen benefits.

u should also ask about emergency benefits!! my cousin got emergency calfresh when her apartment burned down. they gave her benefits the same day she went in. maybe its the same for theft??

Update: I went to the county office today and filed the claim form. The worker said benefit theft cases are taking about 3 weeks right now. She gave me information for local food banks in the meantime. I'm also going to file a police report tomorrow. Thanks for all the advice - I'll keep you posted on what happens. I'm still scared but at least I feel like I'm doing what I need to do.

Something important that hasn't been mentioned yet: When you get your new EBT card, you should register it on the EBT mobile app and enable notifications. This way, you'll get an alert every time your card is used. I recommend checking your balance daily as well. Also, there's been an increase in EBT skimming in California lately. The most common places skimmers are installed are at standalone ATMs, gas stations, and some smaller convenience stores. Try to only use your card at major grocery store terminals. Finally, when you file your claim form (EBT 2259), make a copy for yourself before submitting it. Document the date, time, and name of any worker you speak with. If your claim gets denied initially, you have the right to appeal. Most legitimate fraud cases do get resolved favorably, but sometimes it takes persistence.

this is y i always transfer my calfresh to my regular bank account right when it comes. u can use the "cash out" option at some stores and then deposit that cash. safer that way cant get stolen electronically

Has anyone heard of class action lawsuit?? I'm seeing this happen to SO MANY people now with EBT cards and the state isn't doing enough to protect us! These cards don't even have chip technology! My friend who works at a bank said they have WAY better fraud protection on regular debit cards than we get on EBT. It's discrimination against poor people if you ask me!!! We deserve the same protection as everyone else!!!

FINAL UPDATE: It took almost 4 weeks, but I finally got my benefits back today! They refunded the full $785 after completing their investigation. The worker said they confirmed it was fraud based on the transaction location and the fact that multiple other people had their cards compromised at the same store. For anyone else this happens to - keep calling and checking the status of your claim weekly. I had to submit the police report and a written statement about where I was when the transactions happened. So relieved this is finally resolved. Thank you all for your help and support through this nightmare!