EBT card scam targeting CalFresh recipients - almost lost all my benefits!
Just want to warn everyone about a scary scam that almost got me yesterday! Someone called pretending to be from the CalFresh EBT fraud department. My caller ID showed the actual EBT customer service number from the back of my card! They knew my name, address, and the last 4 digits of my EBT card number. Said there were suspicious charges at Target and Walmart in Nevada (I'm in Sacramento). They sent a verification code to my phone and asked me to read it back, which I stupidly did. Then they asked for my PIN to "deactivate the compromised card" - that's when I realized something was off. When I hesitated, they got really pushy saying my benefits would be stolen if I didn't act fast. I hung up and called the real CalFresh office. Worker confirmed it was 100% a scam and immediately canceled my card. They're sending me a new one, but I was told this scam is hitting LOTS of CalFresh recipients right now. Please be careful! They will NEVER ask for your PIN!!!
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Mateo Martinez
Thank you for sharing this! You're absolutely right - California Department of Social Services and the EBT customer service will NEVER ask for your PIN under any circumstances. This is a sophisticated phishing attempt called "spoofing" where scammers can make their calls appear to come from legitimate numbers. For anyone who experiences this: 1. Hang up immediately 2. Call the official EBT Customer Service (using the number you dial yourself from the back of your card) 3. Report the scam and request a replacement card if needed 4. Check your EBT balance right away to see if unauthorized transactions occurred 5. File a police report if benefits were stolen CalFresh recipients are being targeted because scammers know many households depend on these benefits for essential food needs.
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QuantumQueen
•omg this happened to my neighbor last month and they took ALL her benefits the day before they normally get deposited! she had 3 kids and no food for almost a week before she could get emergency benefits. these people are EVIL
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Aisha Rahman
I got almost the same call last week!!! But they said it was Walmart and some gas station in Arizona. I gave them the code too but hung up when they wanted my pin. The worst part is they keep calling back and threatening that my account will be frozen if I don't verify my identity. So scary.
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Ethan Wilson
•That's exactly how these scams work - they create a false sense of urgency to make you panic. I'd recommend changing your EBT PIN immediately if you haven't already, even if you didn't give it to them. And report each call to your county CalFresh office. They should document this pattern of harassment.
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Yuki Sato
Here's something important to know: if your benefits DO get stolen through fraud like this, you can now get them replaced! California passed a law (AB 1270) that allows for replacement of stolen CalFresh benefits. You'll need to report the theft to your county office within 30 days and file a police report. Also remember that legitimate EBT/CalFresh representatives will: - NEVER ask for your PIN - NEVER ask for your full card number over the phone - NEVER threaten immediate benefit loss if you don't provide information - NEVER request money to release your benefits If you're unsure about any call, hang up and call the number on your EBT card directly yourself.
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Nia Davis
•Thank you for this info! I didn't know about the replacement option. My caseworker did say it could take up to 10 business days to get my new card though, so I'm still worried about accessing my benefits in the meantime. Does anyone know if there's a way to get emergency food assistance while waiting for a replacement EBT card?
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Carmen Flores
This same thing happnd to my sister last month but they got her pin and took all $843 of her familys benefits!!1! The county made her fill out all these forms and still hasnt replaced the benefits. She has 3 kids and had to go to food banks. She said the county worker acted like it was HER fault for getting scammed.
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Mateo Martinez
•I'm sorry your sister had that experience. Unfortunately, some county offices aren't properly trained on the new benefit replacement rules. She should specifically mention AB 1270 when talking to her worker and ask to speak with a supervisor if needed. The county should provide expedited assistance while her claim is being processed, especially with children in the household.
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Andre Dubois
I've been trying to reach my county office all day to report a similar call I got, but can't get through to anyone. Just endless hold music and then disconnection after 45 minutes! So frustrating when trying to protect my account from fraud. Does anyone know a better way to contact CalFresh besides the main county number?
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Ethan Wilson
•I had the same problem last year and found this service called Claimyr that really helped. It holds your place in the phone queue and calls you back when a real person is on the line. Saved me hours of waiting. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 You can also try contacting your county through BenefitsCal messaging system if you have an online account, but for fraud issues, speaking directly with someone is usually better.
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QuantumQueen
i got the same call!!!! gave them everything including my pin cause they scared me saying someone in florida was using my card right that minute. next day ALL my benefits were gone. $387 all spent at stores in miami. im a single mom and now idk how ill feed my kid this month
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Yuki Sato
•I'm so sorry this happened to you. Please contact your county office immediately and tell them you need emergency replacement benefits due to theft. Request an expedited replacement under AB 1270, and make sure to file a police report (you can usually do this online). Ask specifically about emergency food assistance while your claim is being processed. Most counties can issue temporary emergency benefits in 1-3 days in hardship situations, especially when children are involved.
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Ethan Wilson
For anyone who encounters this scam, here's how to protect yourself: 1. Set up EBT text alerts so you're notified of all transactions on your account (ask your county worker how to enroll) 2. Change your PIN regularly - at least every few months 3. Check your balance frequently through the official EBT app or by calling the number on your card 4. Never share verification codes sent to your phone with anyone 5. If you suspect fraud, immediately call the EBT Customer Service line (the one YOU dial yourself) to freeze your account The California Department of Social Services has also issued warnings about this specific scam targeting CalFresh recipients.
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Aisha Rahman
•Wait how do you set up text alerts for EBT transactions?? I never knew this was a thing and I've been on CalFresh for 3 years. That would be so helpful!
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Nia Davis
Update: Got my new EBT card today (way faster than the 10 days they said it would take!). The county worker I finally spoke with said they're seeing at least 5-6 cases of this exact scam EVERY DAY in our county alone. She said they're telling everyone to not even answer calls that show up as EBT Customer Service on caller ID, because legit Customer Service rarely makes outbound calls. If it's really important, they'll send you a letter or a message in BenefitsCal.
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Mateo Martinez
•That's excellent advice from your worker! I'm glad you got your replacement card quickly. One additional tip: when you activate your new card, choose a PIN that's different from anything you use elsewhere. Many people use the same PIN for multiple cards, which creates additional vulnerability if one account is compromised.
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