EBT Thefts in Southern California

This past semester for my Investigative Journalism, Team Investigalz worked on a story dealing with electronic benefic transfer (EBT) card theft in Southern California.

In California, EBT cards are used for welfare program benefits. CalFresh is used to buy fresh groceries and food, while CalWorks gives cash to families in need. While Social Service Agencies are swamped with filing hundreds of fraud claims, families suffer because they are uncertain if their stolen benefits will be reimbursed.

I had a great opportunity to work with Ruthie Weeks and Rebecca Greenwood in producing, directing, filming, and editing the story. From this experience, I learned to be persistent and utilizing an investigative lens.

Our process started out rocky, as we struggled to find compelling victims who were willing to be on camera. After all, EBT fraud can be a sensitive topic. We talked to social service agencies, victims, those who worked at a food bank, and a lawyer who works with victims who suffer from EBT theft. This piece was definitely fulfilling to make, especially when we talked to our on-camera victim, Shaqueta Walker.

Shaqueta is a mother of four who is currently pursuing undergrad studies at a college in Los Angeles County. She had her benefits stolen five times. We got a chance to talk to her and learned the effects these fraud can have on others. We also got to talk to another victim who did not want her name to be shared. Unfortunately for her, after having her EBT funds stolen two months in a row, she was unable to pay her bills and was evicted. Hearing real life stories like these make our role as an investigative journalist so fulfilling.

The challenging topic was attacking this story in an investigative way. This project was completed in DOC 341- Investigative Journalism class, which we learned to be persistent and sometimes even demanding when asking for information. I realized that investigative journalism is so much different than traditional journalism. At the end of the day, I believe I became a stronger storyteller by being stronger in my researching skills as well as polishing my professionalism.

I also want to thank Professor Indira S. Somani for her guidance supporting Investigalz throughout this semester!

Click the link below to watch the full video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucjzXmZb328