Unauthorized EBT transactions - how to report stolen CalFresh benefits?

omg that happened to my cousin last month! she had to call the EBT customer service line and report it as fraud. think the number is on the back of ur card. she said it took forever to get thru tho

You need to act quickly! Call the EBT Customer Service line (1-877-328-9677) and report the unauthorized transactions immediately. They'll deactivate your current card to prevent further theft. Request a new card right away. Then contact your county CalFresh office to report the fraud. They should provide you with a form called "EBT-2259 - Statement of Stolen Benefits" that you'll need to complete and submit. In California, stolen benefits CAN be replaced, but you must report it within 10 days of discovering the theft. Make sure to document everything - transaction dates, amounts, and store locations. The sooner you report, the better your chances of recovering the funds.

I worked with a client who had this exact problem. The EBT customer service line can be nearly impossible to get through to. I recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to help you skip the wait. They have this service that calls EBT/CalFresh for you and connects you directly when a real person answers. Saved my client hours of frustration when dealing with stolen benefits. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

had the same thing happen in january someone used my benefits at a walmart 50 miles from me!!! make sure u also file a police report some counties wont replace the benefits without one good luck

THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME AND THE COUNTY DOES NOTHING ABOUT IT!!!! I had $652 stolen last year and it took FOUR MONTHS to get replacement benefits. They make it IMPOSSIBLE to get help and treat us like WE did something wrong. The whole system is designed to make us give up. Make sure you document EVERYTHING and call EVERY DAY until they help you. Don't let them forget about your case!!!

Important update: California recently strengthened its EBT theft protection policies. As of 2024, the process for replacing stolen CalFresh benefits has been streamlined. When you report the theft, ask specifically about the "expedited replacement" option for hardship cases. If you have children in the household, make sure to mention this as it can qualify you for priority processing. Also, while working on getting your benefits replaced, check if you're eligible for emergency food assistance through your local food bank. Just call 211 and they can direct you to resources in your area while your case is being resolved.

sorry this happened to u! quick question - did u use ur card at any weird atms or small stores recently? my worker told me scammers put skimming devices on machines to steal card info. i only use mine at safeway now lol

make sure u get a new pin 2 they might have ur old 1