Unauthorized EBT transactions from Chicago - my CalFresh benefits stolen!

OMG yes!!!! This happened to me last month! Someone used my CalFresh at some gas station in Florida. I live in Sacramento!! The county made me fill out a form called "EBT-2259 Benefit Theft Report" and I had to sign it under penalty of perjury. They told me it could take up to 10 BUSINESS DAYS to investigate and restore funds. My kids barely ate that week. So messed up.

this is why i always transfer my benifits to my other account as soon as they hit... cant steal what isnt there lol

I work with CalFresh recipients regularly, and unfortunately EBT skimming has become increasingly common. Here's what you need to know: 1. Report it immediately (sounds like you're doing that) 2. Complete form EBT-2259 "Statement of Stolen Benefits" 3. Make sure they give you a copy with a date stamp or case number 4. Under California regulations, they must complete the investigation within 10 business days 5. If confirmed as fraud, benefits should be replaced in full Keep checking your EBT account online daily - sometimes thieves will make small test purchases first, then drain the account later. Also, consider changing your PIN immediately, even though you have the physical card. Some counties are overwhelmed with these reports right now, so follow up if you don't hear back within the 10-day window.

Yes, filing a police report is always a good idea. It creates an official record of the theft and may help if there's any dispute about the fraud. Bring the police report number to your county office when you file the EBT-2259 form. As for immediate food needs, ask your county worker about emergency food assistance while your case is being investigated. Many counties have partnerships with local food banks or can provide emergency CalFresh benefits in cases of theft.

My cousin had this happen and he showed them the transactions were from across the country and they still denied his claim! Said he couldnt prove he didnt give someone his card & PIN. Complete bs. The system is rigged against us.

I've been dealing with CalFresh for years, and getting through to a live person is the most frustrating part of the process. When my benefits were stolen last year, I tried calling for 3 days straight with no luck. Finally I used this service called Claimyr that got me through to a worker in about 20 minutes. You can check out how it works at claimyr.com or watch their demo at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Totally worth it when you're dealing with something urgent like benefit theft where every day matters.

I hope u get ur $ back!! My friend had her benefits stolen and it took almost 3 weeks to get resolved but they did replace everything. She had to go to the office in person twice tho, calls didnt help

To help protect your benefits in the future: 1. Change your PIN immediately after receiving benefits each month 2. Check your account frequently for suspicious activity 3. Never share your PIN with anyone 4. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN at stores 5. Be cautious of card readers that look tampered with (skimming devices) Unfortunately, benefit theft has increased dramatically in the last year. The California DSS is working on implementing enhanced security features, but they're not fully deployed yet. When you go to the office tomorrow, specifically ask about expedited replacement benefits due to hardship while your claim is being investigated. Some counties can authorize emergency benefits while theft claims are pending.

weird that it was chicago. when my moms got hacked last year it was from florida. maybe they target california ebt cards specifically??

UPDATE: Just got back from the welfare office. Took 3 hours but they helped me file the EBT-2259 form and said they'll expedite the investigation. They also gave me a referral to a local food bank to help us get through until the benefits are restored. Apparently this is happening A LOT right now - the worker said they're getting dozens of similar reports every week. They think scammers are using card skimmers at stores to steal card info and PINs. Everyone BE CAREFUL with your EBT cards!!