EBT card security tip: Changing PIN timing to protect CalFresh benefits from thieves

This is actually really smart advice. I work with CalFresh recipients and EBT theft has become a massive problem in 2025. Let me add some additional security tips that the county offices are now recommending: - Enable transaction alerts on the BenefitsCal app if you haven't already - Consider withdrawing cash or making purchases immediately after benefits deposit - Use only ATMs attached to banks, not standalone machines - Cover the keypad when entering your PIN (skimmer devices often have tiny cameras) - Check for loose card readers before inserting your card Unfortunately, the state has been slow to implement the federal EBT fraud protection measures that were mandated in late 2024. Until California fully complies, these preventative measures are your best defense.

i tried this last month after seeing somthing similar on tiktok and it worked for me too!! been dealing with someone taking my calfresh 2 months in a row (dec and jan) and the county said they cant replace benefits that were stolen with the correct pin 🤬 THIS IS THE ONLY THING THAT WORKED FOR ME!!!!

I've been dealing with CalFresh theft issues for months now, and I found another method that works alongside yours. I've been using what's called "PIN cycling" - basically changing my PIN every 3-4 days throughout the month. It's annoying but effective. Also want to mention that if anyone is having trouble reaching a CalFresh worker to report theft (I was on hold for 4+ hours), I started using Claimyr.com to get through. It holds your place in the phone queue and calls you back when a worker picks up. Saved me so much frustration! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 The county office is completely overwhelmed with these theft reports, so getting through quickly is important if you're trying to report a problem or change security settings on your account.

NONE OF THIS SHOULD BE NECESSARY!!! I'm so sick of the county putting all the responsibility on us instead of fixing their broken security!!! My family lost $925 in February and the county basically said "too bad so sad" because the thieves used the correct PIN. HOW DID THEY GET MY PIN?? I'm always careful! The state supposedly got millions of $$ from the feds to implement fraud protection but where is it?? Meanwhile my kids had to eat ramen for two weeks because some scammer took our benefits and the government doesn't care!!! They need to REPLACE STOLEN BENEFITS and FIX THE SYSTEM instead of telling us to jump through hoops just to keep what we're entitled to!!!

This is helpful information, but please be aware that even changing your PIN might not be enough protection in all cases. Modern skimming devices can sometimes capture both your card information and PIN simultaneously. As an additional security measure, I recommend requesting a new EBT card entirely every few months. When you get the new card, it will have a different card number which invalidates any previously skimmed information. Also, carefully check the CalFresh income reporting thresholds (IRT) before withdrawing large amounts of cash. Having too much cash on hand could potentially affect your eligibility during your next SAR7 or recertification if it pushes you over the resource limit.

Thank u for posting this!!!! My mom had her benefits stolen twice and shes elderly and it was sooo hard for her. Showing her this trick right now!

does anyone know if this works for calworks benefits too or just calfresh? my cash aid got stolen last month but i use the same ebt card for both

i tried doing this with my pin but forgot what i changed it to 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ had to go to the office in person to reset it and missed work so lost money anyway lol. maybe write it down somewhere safe if ur forgetful like me!!!