EDD Money Network Card hacked - $1,970 stolen through bank withdrawal - HELP

This happened to me back in October! Someone drained $2,340 from my Money Network card at an ATM in Los Angeles (I live in San Diego). Turns out they used a "skimmer" device at an ATM I used previously. Those devices capture your card data and PIN. I filed a dispute and Money Network eventually credited my account, but it took 37 days. Call EDD directly and explain the situation - they can sometimes issue an emergency payment while the investigation is ongoing.

I work at a bank (not sharing which one) and can tell you that for a withdrawal without the actual card, they would need to have created a fake ID in your name PLUS know enough personal info to pass verification questions. It's becoming more common. Here's what you need to do: 1. File a police report immediately - you'll need the report number 2. Submit the Money Network dispute form WITH the police report number 3. Contact the 3 credit bureaus to place a fraud alert 4. Call EDD at exactly 8:01am - that's when their systems reset daily 5. Request an emergency payment and claim hardship due to fraud EDD should be able to issue a replacement payment while Money Network investigates, but you MUST have that police report filed first.

i had $890 stollen from my card but they did it online not at a bank. money network is TRASH!!!!! took almost 2 months to get my money back and i was almost evicted. they dont care about us at all.

After dealing with this exact situation (someone withdrew $1,250 from my Money Network account at a bank), I found Claimyr and it was the only way I actually got through to a real EDD agent who helped me. Their website (claimyr.com) has a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km They got me connected to an actual EDD representative in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. The EDD rep processed an emergency payment for me while the fraud investigation was happening. Seriously saved me from getting evicted while Money Network took forever with their investigation.

@OP - one important thing I forgot to mention: if you have direct deposit set up for your UI benefits, call EDD and ask them to switch your next payment to direct deposit instead of the Money Network card. This avoids having new money loaded onto a potentially compromised card.

I've been on unemployment for 3 certifications now and always transfer my money from Money Network to my bank account IMMEDIATELY because I don't trust their security at all! I had a friend who lost $3000 last year from her card and Money Network was terrible about handling it. Even though she got her money back eventually, it took almost 2 months! For everyone reading this: ALWAYS transfer your unemployment funds to your personal bank account as soon as they hit your Money Network card! Don't leave money sitting there!

UPDATE: I just spoke with my colleague who handles EDD fraud cases. For bank withdrawals specifically, they're seeing a pattern where scammers call pretending to be from EDD or Money Network, trick people into sharing verification codes, then use those to access accounts and add themselves as "authorized users" who can make in-person withdrawals. Did you get any calls recently claiming to be from EDD asking you to "verify your identity"?

why dont they just switch to direct deposit for everyone instead of these stupid cards??? my cousin gets her state disability through direct deposit with no issues but unemployment forces these garbage money network cards on us. makes no sense!

@OP - Since you confirmed you received that phishing call and shared the verification code, make sure to document that in your police report. That significantly strengthens your case with Money Network since it proves the fraud wasn't due to carelessness with your card. Be sure to mention the exact date of the call if you remember it. Also, call EDD at 8:01am and specifically request to speak with the "Identity Theft and Fraud Department." Mention you were the victim of an EDD phishing scam and need an emergency payment while Money Network investigates.

@OP - I know several people mentioned calling EDD at 8:01am, but honestly, that trick doesn't always work anymore because EVERYONE tries it. That's why I ended up using Claimyr - couldn't get through on my own after trying for days with the early morning trick. Just wanted to give you a realistic expectation so you're not discouraged if the 8:01 method doesn't work.