Can changing EBT PIN before benefits load prevent theft? Had CalFresh stolen last month

Changing your PIN right before your benefits load is definitely a good idea! I've been using Claimyr to reach actual CalFresh workers when I have EBT issues (which is like...all the time). Their service helps you skip the hold times when calling your county office. I was able to talk to someone about card security after my mom's benefits were stolen. Check out their video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 or go to claimyr.com. Seriously saved me hours of frustration!

Yes, changing your PIN before benefits load can help prevent theft, but there are additional steps you should take to fully protect yourself. EBT skimming is unfortunately becoming more common in California. Here's what I recommend: 1. Change your PIN monthly, ideally 1-2 days before your benefits load 2. Check for card skimmers at any store or ATM before you insert your card 3. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN 4. Set up transaction alerts if your county offers them 5. Don't keep your card and PIN written down together Also, make sure to report the theft again if it happens - while first-time reimbursements are difficult, repeated fraud on the same account gets more attention from investigators. The fraud department should be documenting these patterns.

sorry this happened to u! my cousin had the same thing last year, they stole her benefits twice!! she started waiting in line at the grocry store right when her benefits loaded so she could use them before anyone stole them. kinda crazy but it worked lol

I've worked with many CalFresh recipients facing this issue. Changing your PIN helps but isn't foolproof. The most secure approach is to transfer benefits to a separate bank account immediately when they're deposited. Here's the process: 1. Open a separate checking account just for this purpose 2. As soon as benefits load, use the EBT card at an ATM to withdraw cash (if you have cash benefits) or purchase a money order at a grocery store with your food benefits 3. Deposit these into your separate account 4. Use that account's debit card for purchases This method requires some planning but effectively prevents skimming. Also, check if your county offers the BenefitsCal app which now has some additional security features for 2025.

Important correction to my previous comment - you CANNOT withdraw CalFresh benefits as cash or convert them to money orders. That only applies to CalWORKs cash benefits. For CalFresh (food benefits), the best protection is changing your PIN regularly and spending the benefits quickly after they're deposited. I apologize for the confusion.

i had my benefits stolen twice last year and what helped me was getting a card protector sleeve thing? it blocks the card from being scanned when its not being used. got mine on amazon for like $8 for a pack of 5. might help u too

yea i reported it both times but only got back benefits the second time. took like 3 months tho. they said first time could have been my fault but second time they saw it was happening to lots of people in my area

Has anyone tried the new PIN-less EBT cards some counties were testing? My sister says they're using biometric verification instead of PINs but I can't find ANY information about it on the CalFresh website! Seems like they're keeping it quiet but it would solve all these theft problems!

I just wanted to update everyone - I changed my PIN yesterday and also ordered those RFID blocking sleeves. I'm going to change my PIN again the day before benefits load just to be extra safe. Thank you all for the advice! I'll let you know if it helps prevent theft this month.