Can changing EBT PIN protect against CalFresh scammers or is my account already compromised?

Changing your PIN definitely helps, but it's just one layer of protection. What's happening is thieves are using skimmers at stores or ATMs to capture both your card number AND your PIN at the same time. If you suspect your card was compromised, you should: 1. Request a NEW CARD entirely (not just change PIN) 2. Never use your EBT card at ATMs if possible 3. Check your balance frequently using the EBT app 4. Cover the keypad with your hand when entering PIN The county should have issued you a new card automatically when you reported theft. Call them back and specifically request a replacement card.

changing pins dont help AT ALL. these scammers got some kinda device that copies ur whole card. happened to my sister 3x last year and she changed pin every time. only thing that worked was getting new card but then they got that one too eventually. system is broken

omg this is my biggest fear rn!! my neighbor just had all her benefits stolen last week and she has 3 kids. did you get your money back? how long did it take??

I've worked extensively with CalFresh recipients experiencing benefit theft. Here's what's actually happening: 1. Changing your PIN helps ONLY if that's the only information compromised. 2. The current scam involves capturing your full card information (including the CVV code) and creating a clone card. In this case, a PIN change provides temporary protection until they capture your new PIN. 3. Getting a new card with new numbers is more effective. 4. California implemented some additional EBT security measures in late 2024, including chip cards in some counties and transaction alerts. Check if your county has upgraded to chip-enabled EBT cards yet - these are much harder to clone. Also, if you're having trouble reaching someone at the county to request a replacement card, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). They can connect you directly to a CalFresh worker without the usual hold times. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

I need to correct some MISINFORMATION in this thread. The county is REQUIRED to provision EMERGENCY replacement benefits within 10 days of your theft report, not 30+ days. This is a federal requirement for the SNAP program that California MUST follow. If they told you 30 days, they're violating your rights. File a formal complaint with the state oversight office and contact your county board supervisor.

does anyone else feel like the whole system is rigged against us?? like they make us jump through hoops when WE are the victims!!! meanwhile the scammers keep finding new ways to steal from poor people and nothing happens to them!!

To directly answer your original question: Changing PINs helps against basic skimming but not against sophisticated card cloning. Here's my practical advice based on helping several clients with this issue: 1. Request a brand new card with new numbers 2. When you get it, immediately set up EBT mobile alerts if available in your county 3. Only use your card at major grocery stores, not small shops or ATMs 4. Check your balance before AND after shopping trips 5. Consider withdrawing all benefits as soon as they're deposited and using cash for groceries until your county implements chip cards It's unfortunate we have to take these measures, but it's the reality right now with the current system.

One thing nobody's mentioned yet - some counties are now offering locked accounts where your EBT card is blocked from use except during specific timeframes that you set. You have to contact your county worker to see if this option is available to you yet. It's brand new as of January 2025 and not fully implemented everywhere, but worth asking about. This way, you can keep your card locked 24/7 and only unlock it for the 30 minutes you're actually shopping.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! As someone who's been through this nightmare twice, here's what I learned the hard way: First - YES, get a completely new card with new numbers immediately. Don't just change your PIN. Call your county office and specifically say "I need a REPLACEMENT card due to suspected fraud, not just a PIN change." Second - if you haven't already, download your county's EBT app and check your balance EVERY DAY. I caught my second theft within hours because I was checking obsessively. Third - about the investigation timeline: push back if they're making you wait too long. Document everything - dates, who you spoke to, what they said. Some counties are better than others at expediting replacements. The fact that they only replaced 60% of your stolen benefits is unacceptable. You should file an appeal on that decision. The whole amount should be restored unless they have concrete proof you authorized those transactions. Stay strong mama - I know how scary this is when you're trying to feed your kids. You're doing everything right by being proactive about it! 💙

I work at a nonprofit that helps families navigate benefit programs, and I see EBT theft cases weekly. Here's what I tell everyone: The most important thing is getting a NEW CARD with different numbers - changing your PIN alone won't help if they cloned your magnetic stripe. When you call, use the exact phrase "I need an emergency replacement due to fraudulent transactions" - this triggers faster processing. For your appeal on the partial replacement: gather ANY documentation showing your normal shopping patterns (old receipts, bank statements if you ever used cash). The burden should be on THEM to prove you made those large transactions, not on you to prove you didn't. One red flag - if the county didn't automatically offer you emergency food assistance while waiting for the investigation, that's another violation. You should have been offered expedited CalFresh or emergency food vouchers within 7 days of reporting theft. Also document EVERYTHING from here forward: dates, times, names of workers you speak to, reference numbers. If this happens again, having that paper trail will help tremendously. I know this feels overwhelming when you're already stressed about feeding your family, but don't let them brush you off. You have rights as a victim here! 💪