Got new EBT card unexpectedly - is it legitimate or a scam? How to transfer CalFresh benefits?

did u call the number on the back of the card? sometimes they send new cards if theres been a data breach or something. happened to me last summer and i freaked out too lol

This is actually quite common. The state periodically replaces cards for security reasons even if they haven't expired. If the envelope had the official California CDSS/CalFresh logos and came from the state EBT processing center, it's likely legitimate. To be safe, don't call any number that came with the card. Instead, use the official EBT customer service number: 1-877-328-9677. They can verify if a replacement card was issued to you and explain how to activate it. Your benefits will automatically transfer when you activate the new card - you don't need to do anything special to move the funds over. Just don't destroy your old card until the new one is working.

There's been a lot of confusion about this lately. California has been upgrading their EBT card security features for 2025. When you activate your new card, your previous balance transfers automatically. The system knows your old card is being replaced. Activation steps: 1. Call the OFFICIAL number: 1-877-328-9677 2. Select your language 3. Enter your 16-digit card number 4. Enter your date of birth for verification 5. Create a new PIN Don't destroy your old card until you've verified the new one works. I recommend checking the balance on your new card after activation to confirm all funds transferred correctly.

I'm dealing with EBT issues too right now but something totally different. My recertification is stuck and I can't reach anyone at the county office. Been on hold 3 times this week for over an hour each time and then got disconnected. Soooo frustrating!!

same thing happend to me!!! got new card in april. its real but MAKE SURE u call the right # on CA website not any paper that came with it. my neighbor got scamed that way

Just following up - were you able to verify your card and get it activated? The mass reissuance of cards has been causing some confusion for many CalFresh recipients. Once you've activated the new card, your old one will be automatically deactivated, typically within 24-48 hours. This is a security measure to prevent both cards from being active simultaneously. If you experience any issues with the transfer, you can request a balance inquiry through the EBT customer service line.

I'm glad you got this resolved! I was actually wondering about this myself since I heard rumors about new cards being sent out. It's really helpful to know that the state is proactively updating the security features - makes sense given all the fraud issues we've been hearing about. For anyone else reading this thread, definitely bookmark that official EBT customer service number (1-877-328-9677) since it seems like more people will be getting these replacement cards over the next few months.

This is such valuable information! I'm relatively new to CalFresh and had no idea about these security upgrades. Reading through everyone's experiences really helps ease concerns about unexpected cards in the mail. It's smart that the state is being proactive about security, especially with all the EBT fraud we've been seeing lately. I'm definitely saving that official customer service number (1-877-328-9677) in case I get a replacement card too. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - this community is so helpful for navigating these systems!

This thread is so reassuring! I'm also relatively new to CalFresh and was completely unaware that the state sends out replacement cards proactively for security updates. I've been paranoid about EBT scams after hearing so many horror stories, so knowing there's a legitimate reason for unexpected cards is really helpful. The step-by-step activation process that Samantha shared is perfect - I'm screenshotting that for future reference. It's great to see how supportive this community is in helping each other navigate these situations safely. Thanks Alice for sharing your experience and following up with the resolution!

This whole thread has been such a lifesaver! I'm pretty new to the CalFresh program and honestly had no clue that the state would send out replacement cards for security reasons. When I first signed up a few months ago, I was so worried about all the scam stories I'd heard that I probably would have panicked if I got an unexpected card in the mail. Alice, thank you so much for sharing your experience and walking through the whole process - from the initial concern to the successful resolution. It really helps to see that there are legitimate reasons for these cards and safe ways to handle them. I'm definitely bookmarking that official customer service number (1-877-328-9677) and Samantha's activation steps. It's incredible how much peace of mind comes from understanding these processes. This community is amazing for helping newcomers like me feel more confident about navigating the system!

I'm really grateful I stumbled across this thread! I just started receiving CalFresh benefits about 3 weeks ago and honestly had no idea the state would proactively send replacement cards for security upgrades. Coming from someone who's still learning the ropes, Alice's experience and how everyone rallied to help with accurate information is exactly what makes this community so valuable. I was already pretty anxious about potential scams since I'm new to all this, so seeing the step-by-step guidance on how to safely verify and activate a replacement card gives me so much confidence. Definitely saving that official number (1-877-328-9677) and the activation process. It's amazing how much clearer everything becomes when you have real people sharing their actual experiences rather than trying to figure it out alone. Thank you Alice for following up with the resolution too - that really helps complete the picture for those of us who might face this situation in the future!