URGENT: EBT card skimming at ATMs - CalFresh benefits stolen overnight!

OMG this happened to me two weeks ago!!! They took every penny I had - $643! I filed the EBT-2259 form with the county and I'm STILL waiting. The worker I spoke with said there's been skimming devices placed on store terminals AND ATMs. She recommended always FREEZING YOUR CARD when not using it through the ConnectEBT app or website. You can instantly unfreeze when you need to use it. I've been doing this religiously now. Also don't use ATMs that look suspicious (loose card readers, weird overlays on keypads).

sme thing happened to my neighbor. thieves are targetting ebt now because the security is weaker than regular bank cards. make sure u report it within 10 days or they might not replace it!

This is becoming an epidemic in California. To clarify some misinformation: you have 90 days (not 10) to report unauthorized EBT transactions, but reporting immediately is always best. The county should replace stolen benefits within 10 business days of completing your signed statement - they don't usually take the full 30 days. Here's what you need to do: 1. File the EBT-2259 form immediately (the theft report) 2. Request an expedited replacement due to hardship if you have no food 3. Submit any evidence you have (I was at work during those transactions, etc.) 4. Get the case number and follow up every 3 days For prevention: Yes, freezing your card when not in use is essential. Also, NEVER use your PIN at point-of-sale terminals if possible (select 'credit' instead), check for skimmers, and change your PIN monthly.

sorry this happened 2 u! When i got my benefits stolen last year the county made me wait 26 days!! but i did get everything back. also try calling 211 they can sometimes help with emergency food when ur benefits r stolen

This is happening EVERYWHERE right now. I've been trying to get through to my caseworker for weeks to report my stolen benefits ($592 taken last month) and it's impossible. Every time I call, I'm on hold for hours and either get disconnected or told to call back later. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that holds your place in line and gets a caseworker to call YOU back. Got a call within 45 minutes after waiting days on my own. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Seriously, with all these EBT thefts happening, it saved me so much frustration. My benefits are being replaced next week.

This is criminal how they treat us!! My benefits got skimmed TWICE in the past 3 months. The second time they denied my claim saying it was "suspicious" to have two thefts so close together. I HAD TO APPEAL! Meanwhile my family ate ramen for weeks. The EBT card security is a JOKE compared to regular debit cards. Why don't they have chip readers like every other card? The system is DESIGNED to fail us!

Just an update: I finally got my stolen benefits back today!!! Took 16 days total. I called every other day and kept mentioning that my family had no food. The squeaky wheel gets the grease! Definitely freeze your card between uses - I've had no problems since I started doing that. You have to be your own advocate in this system.

I work with many CalFresh clients experiencing this issue. A few additional tips to protect yourself: 1. Set up EBT text alerts for ALL transactions so you're notified immediately 2. When using your card at stores, try to use self-checkout where you control the card and PIN entry 3. If a terminal looks suspicious (loose parts, strange overlays, etc.), use a different one 4. Check your transaction history daily through the ConnectEBT app 5. Keep your EBT card separate from your wallet when not in use The county is required to provide emergency replacement benefits in hardship cases. If the customer service representative doesn't offer this, ask to speak with a supervisor specifically about 'expedited hardship replacement' under MPP Section 16-520.

When my calfresh got stolen they kept tellin me different things about when id get it back. one worker said 10 days another said 30 days. ended up bein like 3 weeks. now i just use my benefits as soon as they load and buy stuff that lasts all month so theres nuthin to steal lol

UPDATE: Used the Claimyr service someone suggested above and actually got through to a supervisor! They're processing my replacement as a hardship case and said I should have emergency benefits in 3 business days. Still going to try the food bank tomorrow but at least there's light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks everyone who shared advice - I'm keeping my card frozen between uses now and set up text alerts for any transactions.