Got a call from EBT customer service (1-877-328-9677) but no voicemail - should I call back?
Hey everyone, just got a weird call from what my phone showed as the EBT customer service number (1-877-328-9677). I didn't answer because I've never gotten a call from them before and wasn't expecting it. They didn't leave a voicemail either which seems suspicious. Has anyone else gotten calls from this number? Is it actually legit or some kind of scam? I'm worried they might be calling about an issue with my CalFresh benefits but don't want to call back if it's not really them.
21 comments
Marina Hendrix
YES! I got one yesterday too!!! Didn't answer cuz I NEVER get calls from EBT either. Super weird they didn't leave a message tho. I'm thinking about calling back but scared its a scam to get my info??? That IS the number on the back of my card tho so idk what to think
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Romeo Barrett
•That's exactly what has me confused! It matches the number on my card too. Did you end up calling back?
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Justin Trejo
That's definitely the legitimate EBT customer service number (1-877-328-9677). It appears on the back of your EBT card and on the official CalFresh website. They sometimes call if there's an issue with your account, an upcoming recertification deadline, or to verify some information. Since they didn't leave a voicemail, I'd recommend calling them back during regular business hours. Just make sure you call the official number from your card, not by returning the exact call, just to be safe.
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Alana Willis
•they never called me b4 in 3 years on calfresh tho?? seems sus
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Justin Trejo
•It's actually becoming more common. Some counties started proactive calling during the pandemic and have continued the practice. They might be calling about your SAR7 due date, verification documents, or even just to confirm your contact information is current.
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Tyler Murphy
I work for county services and can confirm this is indeed the legitimate EBT customer service number. However, there's been an increase in sophisticated scammers who can "spoof" official numbers to make it appear they're calling from legitimate sources. Here's what I recommend: 1. Don't call the number from your call history 2. Instead, call the number printed on the back of your EBT card 3. When connected, explain you received a call but want to verify if they need something from you 4. NEVER give your PIN over the phone - legitimate EBT customer service will never ask for it If they say they didn't call you, be extra vigilant about monitoring your EBT account for any suspicious activity.
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Romeo Barrett
•Thank you! This is really helpful. I'll call the number from my card tomorrow morning. Do they usually call about anything urgent or could it wait until Monday?
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Tyler Murphy
•It could be routine or it could be important. If it's about pending verification documents or missed deadlines, waiting could potentially impact your benefits. Best to call sooner rather than later, but it's likely not an emergency situation.
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Sara Unger
got one of these calls last month and freaked out cuz i thought i was in trouble but turned out they were just calling to remind me my SAR7 was due soon lol. waste of my stress tbh but i guess better than losing benefits
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Butch Sledgehammer
•^^ This! They've started doing courtesy calls in many counties. I got one reminding me about recertification last month which was actually helpful since I almost forgot. Better than suddenly finding out your benefits are discontinued!
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Freya Ross
DONT CALL BACK!!! My cousin got a call from "EBT" and when she called back they asked for her card number and PIN to "verify her identity" and then drained her account!!! These scammers are getting really good at pretending to be official. The real EBT people almost NEVER call you - they send letters for everything important.
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Tyler Murphy
•This is why it's crucial to never call back the number from your call history. Always use the number from the back of your card or the official website. And yes, legitimate EBT customer service will NEVER ask for your PIN.
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Freya Ross
•exactly!!! and they stole ALL her benefits for the month just 2 days after they loaded! the real EBT people couldn't even help her get it back cuz she "voluntarily" gave her info. so messed up
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Butch Sledgehammer
I've had trouble reaching CalFresh representatives on the phone for weeks with this exact issue! After hours on hold and multiple disconnects, I tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) and finally got through. They have a system that holds your place in line and calls you back when a real person is available. Saved me hours of frustration! You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 I was able to confirm that they are making legitimate calls to some recipients about upcoming reporting deadlines. In my case, I had a SAR7 due soon and they were giving a courtesy reminder.
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Romeo Barrett
•Thanks for the suggestion! Those hold times are brutal. I'll check out that service if I can't get through tomorrow.
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Sara Unger
just curious did they call u from an actual person or was it like a robocall voice? cuz i got one that was a robot voice saying to call back about my "benefits status" but hung up when it sounded sketchy
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Romeo Barrett
•It rang a few times but I didn't answer, so I'm not sure if it was automated or a person. They didn't leave any message which is what made me suspicious.
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Justin Trejo
Update on this: The county has confirmed they're doing proactive outreach calls for the following reasons: 1. Upcoming SAR7 or recertification deadlines 2. Missing verification documents 3. Changes to your benefit amount 4. Income reporting threshold reminders (IRT) 5. EBT card inactivity for extended periods If you receive a call, it's still safest to call back using the number from your EBT card rather than your call history. Their official statement is that they will NEVER ask for your PIN or full card number over the phone.
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Marina Hendrix
•Does anyone know if they call about DECREASES in benefits? Got my new budget letter and my amount went down by $75 and no explanation why ðŸ˜
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Alana Willis
lol i never answer numbers i dont know anyway, if its important theyll leave a message or send a letter. but yea thats the real number on the back of my card too
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Romeo Barrett
•That's normally my policy too! But then I got worried it might be about my benefits and they forgot to leave a message. Thanks for confirming it's the official number.
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