CalFresh rep asked for my EBT card number on the phone - is this normal or a scam?

Yes, it's completely normal for them to ask for your EBT card number when you call. It's one of the primary ways they verify your identity before accessing your account information. Usually they need either the full 16-digit card number or at minimum the last 4 digits along with other identifying info like your name, DOB, address, etc. The 1-877-328-9677 number is indeed the legitimate CalFresh customer service number, so no worries there. I understand being cautious with the recent increase in EBT theft. Just make sure you're only giving this information when YOU call THEM, never if they call you first. And never share your PIN with anyone over the phone.

They ALWAYS ask for the card # when u call that's how they find ur account in there system. I call like every month cuz my benefits are always late and they need the # everytime. Don't worry its normal

I used to work for the county. Yes, they do need your EBT card number to look up your account information in the system. It's standard procedure for verification. If you called the official number (which you did), you're fine. They will NEVER ask for your PIN though. If anyone asks for your PIN, that's 100% a scam. Also, for future reference, they usually need more than just the card number - they'll ask for your name, DOB, address, last four of SSN, or other identifying information to make sure they're speaking with the actual benefit holder.

I've had MY BENEFITS STOLEN TWICE in the past year!!! And guess what? Both times was right after I called that exact number about issues with my account. I'm not saying the workers are stealing, but their system is NOT SECURE. Be careful giving your full card number over the phone. I now only give them the last 4 digits and my case number instead. Also, everyone should be checking their EBT account DAILY for suspicious transactions and immediately report and request a replacement card if you see ANYTHING strange. The county makes it nearly IMPOSSIBLE to get stolen benefits back!!!

If you're worried about reaching CalFresh by phone and having long waits or concerns about security, I've been using Claimyr recently and it's been a game-changer. It helped me get through to an actual person at my county office without waiting on hold for hours. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Basically it keeps your place in line and calls you back when a representative is available. I used it when my account was locked after too many incorrect PIN attempts (my kid was playing with my card 🤦‍♀️). They connected me directly with a worker who could verify my identity with more than just my card number, which made me feel more secure. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.

omg i had the EXACT same worry last month!!! i called and they asked for my card # and i freaked out and hung up too!! 😂 my anxiety was through the roof with all the scam stories. i called back the next day and asked if it was normal procedure before giving any info and they confirmed yes they need it to access accounts. so you're not alone in being paranoid!!

its normal but u should be careful. never give ur pin tho!! and if u ever get a text saying ur benefits going to expire or something thats 100% a scam they dont text u that stuff

One important thing to note: if you're worried about security, you can also use your CalFresh case number along with your date of birth and name to verify your identity instead of giving your full EBT card number. Many workers can look up your information this way as well. Just let them know at the beginning of the call that you prefer to verify using your case number instead of your EBT card number. They may still ask for the last 4 digits of your card, but this is generally a more secure approach.

My sister had $2300 stolen last month and she swears it happened after she called the hotline!! The worker asked for her card# and address and everything. Next day ALL her benefits were gone!!! They told her it was spent in some store in Florida and we live in California!!!

I called them back today and went through the verification process. The worker was super nice and explained they need the card number to access my account but also verified my identity using my case number, DOB, and address. My benefits were delayed because there was a system issue with the auto-loading this month, but she fixed it and said they'll be available tomorrow. Thanks everyone for the reassurance and tips!

So glad everything worked out for you! Your experience is a perfect example of why it's smart to be cautious but also important to verify legitimate procedures. The fact that they used multiple forms of verification (card number, case number, DOB, address) shows they were following proper protocol. For anyone else reading this thread who might have similar concerns - it's totally normal to feel anxious about sharing personal info over the phone given all the scams going around. Just remember: legitimate CalFresh reps will NEVER ask for your PIN, and they should always be able to verify your identity using multiple pieces of information, not just your card number alone. Trust your instincts, but also don't let fear prevent you from accessing the help you need!