CalWORKs EBT card theft - benefits stolen TWICE despite new card & PIN! Is this happening to anyone else?

the same thing hapend to me twice!!! first time was at xmas and then again in feb. i got a new card both times and changed pin but they still got my $$ somehow. took over a month to get first payment back and still waiting on the second one. i just withdraw ALL my cash the minute it hits my account now. its inconvenient but better than having it stolen.

This is happening a lot with Cash Aid benefits. The thieves are using card skimmers and cameras at ATMs and store terminals to capture card information and PINs. Even with a new card, if you use it at a compromised terminal, you can become a victim again. For protection: 1. Always inspect the card reader for anything suspicious before inserting your card 2. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN 3. Set up text/email alerts for when transactions occur 4. Withdraw your benefits immediately when deposited (as already suggested) 5. Use ATMs inside bank buildings rather than standalone machines when possible As for getting your money back, the Bank of America EBT fraud department is currently overwhelmed with cases, which is why it's taking weeks. The 2022 state law requires them to reimburse valid claims, but the timeline is still frustratingly long.

This is happening ALL OVER CALIFORNIA rite now!! My caseworker told me they seeing hundreds of cases every week of stolen benefits. The thieves are getting more sophisticated with their methods too. My cousin works at the county office and she said they're seeing people who got their benefits stolen even when they never used the card at an ATM! Somehow the thieves are getting the info another way. BTW when you file your claim make sure to also file a police report and give that case # to BofA. It can sometimes speed up the process. And YES ask your worker about emergency replacement funds while you wait!!!

i got hit 3 times!!! even after changing card AND BANK repeatedly calling me asking personal info to "verify" my identity. DON'T give info over phone! the county workers told me thieves are calling pretending to be bank or county to get ur info. i NEVER use ATMs now, just go to grocery store customer service desk and get cash back with purchase. safer.

I work with CalWORKs recipients and unfortunately this is becoming extremely common. Some important things to know: 1. **Emergency Assistance**: Yes, you can request emergency funds from your county while waiting for your stolen benefits to be replaced. You need to contact your worker directly and explain that you have no money for basic needs. They can often issue emergency funds within 3 business days. 2. **Reporting Timeframes**: Make sure you report theft within 90 days, though sooner is much better. 3. **Reaching Your Worker**: One of the biggest problems my clients have is actually getting through to their worker to request emergency help. Instead of spending hours on hold, some have had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to their CalWORKs worker quickly. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE 4. **Documentation**: Keep a detailed log of all communications, including confirmation numbers from BofA and your county worker. Don't withdraw large amounts of cash if you can help it - that creates different safety concerns. Instead, try to only keep a few days worth of benefits on your card at any time.

Has anyone actually gotten their stolen benefits back? I've been waiting 6 weeks now and still nothing. Called BofA EBT customer service like 20 times and they just keep saying "it's still processing" every single time. I filed a police report and everything. They stole $1,076 from me (2 months of Cash Aid) and I can barely keep a roof over our heads now.

u need to stop using ur EBT card at sketchy places!!! stick to walmart and safeway they got better security. my worker told me most of the skimmers r at liquor stores and those little corner markets. also change ur pin every month thats what i do and never had my benes stolen yet 💯

I had my benefits stolen twice last year before I figured out it was actually my ex who had somehow gotten my card info. He was watching me use it at stores and memorized my PIN. So sometimes it's not random thieves but someone you know. Just something to consider... 😕

Update on emergency funds: The specific program is called "Immediate Need" and you can request it when benefits are stolen. Your county worker needs to verify your theft claim is legitimate (usually by confirming you've filed with BofA), and they can issue up to 30% of your monthly grant amount while you wait for BofA to complete their investigation. Also, California Assembly Bill 1827 now requires BofA to provisionally credit stolen benefits within 10 business days while they investigate, but many people report this timeline isn't being met. If it's been longer than 10 business days, mention this specific law when you follow up.