EBT scams targeting CalFresh accounts - how to protect benefits on deposit day?

i got scammed back in december, totally sucked. some dude called saying he was from calfresh office and needed to verify my card. stupid me gave the info. now i NEVER answer calls from numbers i dont know!!

The most important thing is to NEVER share your PIN with anyone, including people claiming to be from the county office. CalFresh workers will never ask for your full card number or PIN over the phone or by text. Here are some ways to protect yourself: 1. Check your EBT balance regularly through the official app or phone line 2. Change your PIN monthly (especially right after benefits deposit) 3. Don't respond to texts about your EBT card - they're always scams 4. Never use your EBT card at suspicious-looking card readers (they might have skimmers) 5. If possible, use your benefits gradually rather than all at once Unfortunately, federal regulations mean the county usually can't replace benefits stolen through scams, so prevention is critical.

Unfortunately, CalFresh doesn't offer real-time transaction alerts like regular bank accounts. You'd need to check your balance/transactions manually through the EBT app or by calling the number on the back of your card. One thing I do - I take a screenshot of my balance right after benefits deposit, then check again frequently throughout the month. That way if something changes that I didn't spend, I know immediately. Also, be extra cautious around the 10th of each month when benefits are loaded - scammers know exactly when people get their money and target more heavily those days.

The county offices dont do NOTHING when ur money gets stolen they just say sorry ur screwed!! happened to my sister last year. the whole system is rigged against poor people!!!! they should be protecting US instead of making it OUR problem when their stupid system gets hacked. my caseworker literally laughed when i asked about fraud protection SMDH

I discovered a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual CalFresh worker when my account was compromised last month. I spent 3 days trying to reach someone at the county about suspicious transactions but kept getting disconnected. Claimyr got me connected in about 20 minutes to a real person who helped me lock my account and start the report process. Their demo video explains how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 While they couldn't get my stolen benefits back, they helped me document everything properly and guided me through the whole process. Saved me hours of frustration.

anybody know if those plastic ebt card covers actually do anything?? my cousin got me one for christmas but it seems kinda cheap

One thing nobody's mentioned - be extremely careful using EBT cards at small convenience stores or gas stations. These locations have much higher rates of skimmer installation than major grocery stores. Skimmers are devices criminals attach to card readers that can steal your card information. Also, when entering your PIN, always cover the keypad with your other hand. Many scammers use hidden cameras to capture PINs. Lastly, there's a new scam where people are receiving text messages saying their EBT card has been locked and to call a number to unlock it. NEVER respond to these - they're always fraudulent. The only legitimate number is the one printed on the back of your EBT card.

my aunt went to a tasting thing at costco and when she wasn't looking someone took a pic of her card that was in her purse!! now she keeps it in one of those metal wallets lol

To answer your original question about transferring money out - unfortunately, that's not an option with CalFresh. These aren't like regular bank accounts where you can move funds between accounts. The benefits exist only on your EBT card. Your best protection is to: 1. Shop at major grocery stores when possible (they have better security) 2. Change your PIN through the EBT phone line right before AND after your benefits deposit day 3. Check your balance frequently through the official EBT app 4. Never click links from texts claiming to be about your benefits And if you ever suspect fraud, call the EBT customer service number AND your county office immediately.