EDD Money Network card hacked after first payment - how to switch back to paper checks?

OMG the same thing happened to my roommate last month!! These hackers are targeting EDD accounts like crazy. She had to spend HOURS on the phone getting it sorted out. I think you have to call EDD directly to switch payment methods - I don't think you can do it online anymore. They made everything so complicated after the pandemic fraud stuff.

You need to do two things: 1. Call Money Network directly at 1-866-320-8699 to report the attempted fraud and possibly get a new card issued 2. Contact EDD to change your payment preference back to paper checks. Unfortunately, this does have to be done by phone. Log into your UI Online account, go to Contact EDD, and request a callback. I recommend securing your account with stronger passwords and possibly placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus since they might have your personal info.

Sorry to hear about that. Actually, you can change your payment preference online without calling. Here's how: 1. Log into UI Online 2. Go to 'Profile' 3. Select 'Payment Preference' 4. Choose the 'Check by mail' option 5. Confirm the change The change should take effect for your next payment. I had to do this in January when I had issues with my Money Network account. Just make sure your mailing address is up to date!

Typically it takes effect for your next certification period. So if you've already certified for this period and it's being processed, that payment might still go to your card. But anything after should come as a check. BTW, you should definitely still report the fraud attempt to Money Network even if you're switching payment methods. Those hackers might have your personal info beyond just the card.

I had my card hacked last year and lost $850 before I noticed!! It was a NIGHTMARE getting that money back. Took almost 3 months. Paper checks might be slower but nobody can hack them sitting in some basement halfway across the world.

Yeah I got it back eventually but it took FOREVER and so many calls. Had to file a dispute with Money Network and then they investigate which takes like 10 business days and then they denied it the first time!!! Had to appeal and everything. The whole time I had bills due and no unemployment money. Never again!!

Just FYI - I tried for weeks to get through to EDD to change my payment preference (kept getting the 'maximum callers' message) and finally used Claimyr to connect with an agent. Got through in about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km that shows how it works. The service connects you directly to EDD's phone system and bypasses the busy signals. Worth checking out if you do need to speak with someone at EDD about this or any other claim issues.

@profile8 Yes, it worked for me. I had been trying for 9 days straight with no luck. With Claimyr I got connected to an EDD rep who fixed my payment preference issue and also helped explain why my previous certification was pending. The website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.

UPDATE: I was able to change my payment preference online just like @profile2 suggested! It was under Profile > Payment Preference. Also called Money Network to report the attempted fraud and they're sending me a new card just in case (though I plan to just use the paper checks from now on). Thanks everyone for your help!

u should freeze ur credit too just 2 be safe. those hackers prolly have ur ssn if they tried 2 get into the money network account

Wow, this is exactly why I've been hesitant to switch to the Money Network card! I've been getting paper checks since I started my claim and even though they take longer, hearing all these hacking stories makes me want to stick with them. It's crazy that these scammers are specifically targeting EDD recipients - like we don't have enough stress already! Glad you were able to switch back online without having to deal with EDD's phone system. That would have been a nightmare on top of everything else. Definitely smart to report it to Money Network too even though you're switching away from the card.

This is such a scary situation but I'm glad you caught it early! I've been on unemployment for about 6 months now and stories like this make me so nervous about the Money Network card. I actually had mine compromised too back in December - someone made a $200 purchase at some store in Florida (I live in Sacramento!). The fraud department did reverse it but it took almost 2 weeks and during that time my card was frozen so I couldn't access any of my benefits. Had to borrow money from family just to buy groceries. Ever since then I've been paranoid about checking my account daily. I'm seriously considering switching to paper checks after reading this thread. Sure they're slower but at least nobody can drain your account while you're sleeping! Thanks for sharing your experience and the step-by-step instructions everyone provided.