WARNING: 7-Eleven EBT card skimming scam - my CalFresh benefits were stolen

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately, EBT skimming is becoming more common. What likely happened is the store had a card skimmer installed on their card reader that copied your EBT card information. The county is correct about the investigation timeline, but you shouldn't have to wait for replacement benefits. Call your county office again and specifically ask for "expedited replacement benefits due to theft." Under California regulations updated in 2025, they're required to replace stolen benefits within 10 days if you file a police report. Make sure to get a case number from the police!

OMG this EXACT thing happened to me at 7-Eleven too! But it was the one on Greenfield Ave. I lost $375 and when I called EBT customer service they were USELESS. Said I should've been more careful with my card. Like how is this MY fault???? The manager at the store acted like he had no idea what I was talking about. I'm still fighting to get my benefits back from January.

I had a similar issue but at a different store chain. Here's what worked for me: 1. File a police report immediately (you can do this online in most counties) 2. Call the EBT customer service number (not the county) to report the card stolen and get a replacement card 3. Contact your county worker with the police report number AND the EBT customer service reference number 4. Ask specifically for "benefits replacement due to theft" as mentioned above 5. Reference California Department of Social Services All County Letter 24-19 (the updated EBT theft protection guidelines) It took me about 14 days to get replacement benefits but I did get them. Also, until you get a new EBT card, you can temporarily freeze/unfreeze your current card using the BenefitsCal app or website.

I used to work for the county and this is sadly becoming more common. Here's what most people don't know: when you call the regular CalFresh number, you often get stuck with general customer service reps who don't know about the expedited replacement process. You need to specifically ask for the "EBT Theft Replacement Unit" or the "Benefit Security Team." Also, if you're having trouble getting through on the phone lines, check out Claimyr.com - they have a service that waits on hold with county offices for you and calls you back when a real person answers. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 It saved me hours of hold time when I was dealing with my mom's CalFresh issue.

This is why I ALWAYS cover the keypad when entering my PIN at ANY store!!! And I only use my EBT at major supermarkets now, no more convenience stores or small markets. Too risky. Skimmers are everywhere these days. Sorry this happened to you but its a lesson for all of us to be more careful where we swipe our cards.

my cousins frend had this happen and she said if u call the main EBT number 4 times in 1 day they have to esculate it to a supervisor who can aprove emergency benefits...idk if thats true but might be worth tryin

Update: I followed the advice here and things are moving forward! Filed a police report online (got a case #) and called the county back specifically asking for the "EBT Theft Replacement Unit" which they eventually transferred me to. The specialist there was WAY more helpful than the first person I talked to. They're processing emergency replacement benefits and said I should have them in 5-7 business days. They're also sending me a new EBT card with a different number. For everyone asking - they said to avoid using EBT at gas stations and convenience stores when possible, and to always check card readers for any loose or suspicious parts before inserting your card. Apparently skimming devices at 7-Elevens have been reported in multiple counties across California. Thank you all for your help! Will update when the benefits actually arrive.

This is really scary - I had no idea EBT skimming was such a big problem! I've been using my card at convenience stores all the time without thinking twice. Thank you for sharing your experience and warning everyone. It's frustrating that it takes so long to get benefits back when people are already struggling financially. I'm going to start being way more careful about where I use my EBT card and always check the card reader before swiping. Hope you get your replacement benefits soon!

This is absolutely infuriating and I'm so sorry you're going through this! As someone who works with low-income families, I see EBT theft cases way too often. A few additional tips that might help: 1. If you have a smartphone, take photos of any card reader before using it - skimmers often look slightly different or have loose parts 2. Some counties have emergency food assistance programs separate from CalFresh that can help while you wait for replacement benefits - call 211 to ask about local food banks and emergency assistance 3. Document EVERYTHING - save all your call reference numbers, case numbers, and take screenshots of your benefit balance before and after the theft Also, you mentioned you're a single mom - many churches and community centers have emergency food pantries that don't require paperwork and can help immediately. Search for "food pantry near me" or check with your kids' school - many have weekend backpack programs or can connect you with resources. The fact that this is happening to so many people shows this is a systemic problem, not your fault. Keep advocating for yourself with the county office - you deserve to get your benefits back quickly!

I'm new to this community but this post really caught my attention because I just moved to California and got approved for CalFresh benefits last month. I had no idea EBT skimming was such a widespread problem here! Reading through all these comments has been both scary and incredibly helpful. I've been using my EBT card at random stores without thinking twice about security. @NebulaNomad I'm so glad to see from your update that you're getting your benefits replaced! It's terrible that you and your kids had to go through this stress. For anyone else reading this - I found a resource that might help. The California Association of Food Banks has a website (cafoodbanks.org) where you can search for emergency food assistance by zip code. They also have a text service - you can text your zip code to 877-877 to find nearby food banks. This could help bridge the gap while waiting for replacement benefits. Also wanted to mention that some Walmart and Target locations now have newer card readers with better security features - might be worth asking customer service which terminals are the newest if you have to shop at larger stores. Stay safe everyone!