CalWORKs EBT card theft from ATMs - why aren't they catching these thieves on camera?

omg same thing happened to my sister last month!! they took all $724 and she couldnt pay rent. the fraud ppl told her something about skimmers on the atms even at banks. so messed up

This is becoming a huge problem across California. These thieves are using skimming devices they temporarily place over card readers at ATMs or point-of-sale terminals. They capture your card data and PIN, then create clone cards. Even bank ATMs can have skimmers placed on them for short periods. Here's what you need to do immediately: 1. Report the theft to both the EBT Customer Service (877-328-9677) AND your county CalWORKs office 2. File a police report - this is critical for getting your benefits replaced 3. Request a new EBT card with a completely different PIN 4. When you get the new card, enable text alerts for any transactions 5. Always check the card reader for anything loose or unusual before inserting your card Your benefits can be replaced, but it does take time. Make sure to specifically request an expedited review due to hardship. Bring any shutoff notices or eviction threats to your worker as evidence.

The frustrating truth is that even with cameras, catching these thieves is hard. They wear hats, masks (especially since COVID made masks normal), and use the stolen money quickly. The banks and county should be doing more, but they aren't. For immediate help, ask your worker for a "Special Needs" emergency payment while you wait for the investigation. Also, call 211 and ask about emergency diaper banks in your area - most counties have them for situations exactly like yours. To protect yourself in the future: - Never use the same PIN as other cards - Cover the keypad completely with your hand when entering your PIN - Only use ATMs inside actual bank lobbies (not just outside walls) - Withdraw your cash as soon as benefits deposit, then pay bills immediately It's so unfair that you're dealing with this. The system should protect recipients better.

you kno what I think its an inside job!! my cousin works at walmart and says theres people that got computer things that can read the cards when ur walking by them in stores. they get all the info wirelesss and the PIN when u type it. scary AF

I've had my benefits stolen FOUR TIMES since 2023!!! The system is completely BROKEN and nobody gives a damn because we're poor people on assistance!!! Every time I report it they treat me like I'M the criminal - asking me 50 million questions about where I keep my card, who knows my PIN, if I let family use it (NO I DON'T!!!). The last fraud investigator had the nerve to tell me maybe I should "be more careful with my money" like I CHOSE to have it stolen!!! Meanwhile my kids are going hungry and I'm borrowing money from everyone I know just to keep our lights on. These thieves are ruining lives and the county just shrugs!!!

One little tip - until you get your replacement benefits, check with local churches. Many have emergency assistance programs. St. Vincent de Paul helped me with a Walmart gift card when this happened to me, and Catholic Charities paid part of my utility bill. Just bring your police report and EBT theft documentation.

After trying for DAYS to reach someone at my county office about my stolen benefits with no luck (constant busy signals, disconnects after waiting an hour+), I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person at CalWORKs in like 20 minutes. They called the county line for me and then connected me once they reached a person. Way better than wasting hours on hold. If you're still having trouble reaching someone about your stolen benefits, might be worth checking out their demo at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE - the website is claimyr.com. It seriously saved me when I was desperate to get my theft claim processed faster.

I work with a legal aid organization that helps with benefit issues. Here's what you need to know about EBT theft: 1. California passed a law (AB 1168) that requires counties to reissue stolen benefits, but the implementation has been spotty 2. You have 90 days from the theft to report it 3. You can request what's called a "hardship waiver" of the 10-day investigation period if you're facing eviction or utility shutoff 4. If denied replacement, you have the right to appeal through a state hearing One thing not everyone knows: if your regular worker isn't helping, ask to speak with the county's EBT Coordinator specifically. They handle theft cases and can often expedite the process. Don't let them dismiss your claim - this is happening to many CalWORKs recipients and is a recognized problem the state is trying to address.

I'm so sorry this is happening to you - EBT theft is becoming a huge problem and it's devastating for families. A few things that might help while you're waiting for your replacement benefits: 1. Contact your local food bank immediately - they don't require paperwork and can help bridge the gap 2. Call 211 and ask about emergency rental assistance programs in your county - many have funds specifically for people waiting on benefit replacements 3. If you have kids under 5, WIC offices sometimes have emergency formula/baby food even if you're not enrolled For preventing future theft, I've started taking a photo of every ATM card reader before I use it - if something looks different or loose, I don't use that machine. Also, some people I know withdraw their entire benefit amount the second it hits (like 12:01 AM) and then immediately pay bills or buy money orders. The system absolutely should protect us better. You're not doing anything wrong - these criminals are getting more sophisticated and targeting people who can least afford the loss. Keep pushing your worker for that expedited review and don't let them make you feel like this is your fault.