Victims of electronic theft should report their losses before Feb. 29, 2024, to receive retroactive replacement benefits.

Customers who receive CalFresh food assistance and believe their benefits were stolen electronically between Oct. 1, 2022, and Nov. 30, 2023, may be eligible to receive retroactive benefits.

Electronic theft occurs when benefits are stolen or taken from an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card balance because of skimming, cloning, scamming or similar fraudulent methods. If a CalFresh customer has tried to buy food with their benefits and noticed their balance is at zero or less than what they previously had after their last purchase and has not lost their EBT card, they may have experienced electronic theft.

To receive a replacement for stolen benefits during this period, report the stolen benefits at the nearest Self Sufficiency office, online at BenefitsCal.com or by calling 1-877-410-8827. Reports should be made no later than Feb. 29, 2024.

Since early 2023, data shows EBT theft has increased in Riverside County. From January through September, EBT thieves stole more than $3 million in food benefits and cash assistance from county residents.

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