Missing CalFresh EBT funds after normal deposit shows $0 balance - card declined at checkout
Super concerned right now. I take care of my elderly aunt and manage her shopping. Her CalFresh EBT card got declined at Safeway this afternoon which has NEVER happened before. When I called the EBT hotline, it showed her regular monthly deposit of $297 went in on the 3rd (five days ago), but now the balance is completely $0! We only did one small shopping trip since then for about $45. There's no way we spent all her benefits in 5 days. Has anyone experienced missing funds from their EBT account? Besides BenefitsCal, is there another website where I can check her transaction history or see if there was some kind of error? This is really stressful because she relies on these benefits for her food.
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Sean Murphy
This sounds like potential EBT card fraud or someone using her card information. Unfortunately BenefitsCal doesn't show detailed transaction history. You need to call the EBT Customer Service number (1-877-328-9677) right away and report this. Ask specifically for the transaction history - they can tell you exactly when and where the card was used. If there are transactions you don't recognize, request a new card immediately and file a fraud claim. They might be able to restore the benefits depending on the situation.
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Anastasia Popov
•Thank you! I'll call them back and specifically ask for the transaction history. Do you know if they can see the actual store names and times? I'm worried because I'm the only one who uses the card and my aunt doesn't leave the house much.
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Zara Khan
omg same thing happened to my cousins card last month!! turned out someone copied his card somehow at a corner store with one of those skimmer things. def call and report stolen asap
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Anastasia Popov
•That's terrifying! Did he get his benefits back after reporting it? I'm going to check her card for anything suspicious, but we only shop at major grocery stores.
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Luca Ferrari
There's also the ConnectEBT website or mobile app where you can see your transactions and balance. Just google CalFresh ConnectEBT and you'll find it. You can create an account with her card number. It shows every transaction with the store name and amount. Way better than BenefitsCal for checking activity.
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Anastasia Popov
•THANK YOU! I just checked ConnectEBT and found three transactions at a grocery store 20 miles away that we NEVER shop at! $252 spent in two days at some place called 'Family Market'. Calling to report fraud right now!
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Nia Davis
This is definitely card skimming or fraud. Call the EBT customer service immediately to report it stolen, but prepare for a frustrating experience. The regular EBT line has limited ability to handle fraud cases - you'll likely need to speak with a fraud department specialist at your county office. If you keep getting long wait times or automated messages when you call, you might want to try Claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to a real person at CalFresh offices without the endless hold times. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Be persistent about filing a fraud claim. In most cases, they can replace stolen benefits, but you need to report it quickly and follow up.
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Anastasia Popov
•The EBT line put me on hold for 25 minutes then disconnected! I'll check out that Claimyr service - at this point I just need to talk to a real person. Thanks for suggesting it - my aunt really needs those benefits replaced ASAP.
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Mateo Martinez
I had something similar happen and it was my 19 year old son who took the card when I was sleeping!!! Check if anyone in the house has access. Also, if you report fraud, they will investigate and it can take 2-3 weeks to get benefits back. They'll ask lots of questions about who has access to the card, PIN, etc. In my case, I couldn't get replacement benefits because it was a household member (which is super unfair since I didn't give permission).
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Anastasia Popov
•Oh that's terrible! In our case it's just me and my aunt, and I keep her card in my wallet. Based on the ConnectEBT app, the transactions were at times when the card was definitely with me, so it must be skimming.
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QuantumQueen
my worker told me theres a huge increase in EBT fraud right now!!! they're using skimmers and cameras to get card numbers and PINs. always cover the keypad when typing PIN and check for weird card readers that wiggle or look off. also some scammers call pretending to be EBT and ask for ur card info NEVER give that!!
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Sean Murphy
•This is excellent advice. I'd also recommend changing the PIN immediately whenever you suspect anything unusual with the card. And never use the card at small, questionable retailers if possible.
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Aisha Rahman
I used to work for CalFresh, and I'd recommend two things: 1) Report the fraud immediately to EBT customer service, 2) Contact your county office directly and speak with an eligibility worker to file an official claim. You'll need to sign an affidavit stating which transactions weren't yours. The county can expedite replacement benefits in hardship cases while the fraud investigation proceeds. Make sure to mention your aunt is elderly and has no other food resources - this can qualify as a hardship case. Also request a new card with a different number immediately.
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Anastasia Popov
•Update: Finally got through using that Claimyr service (which worked great BTW). They're sending a new card and I filed the fraud claim. The worker said they can see it was used at locations we've never shopped at before, so that helps our case. They're expediting replacement benefits which should arrive in 5-7 days since my aunt qualifies for hardship assistance due to her age and medical condition. Thanks everyone for your help!
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