Got new EBT card unexpectedly - is it legitimate or a scam? How to transfer CalFresh benefits?
I just received a new EBT card in the mail yesterday, but I didn't request one and my current card doesn't expire until next year. The envelope looks official with the California state logo, but with all these scams going around I'm worried. Has anyone else randomly received a new card? If this is actually legitimate, how do I transfer my CalFresh balance from my old card to this new one? I have about $340 left on my old card that I need for groceries this week. Thanks for any help!
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Hassan Khoury
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
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Alice Fleming
AuthorNo, I haven't called yet. I was worried about calling the number on the card if it's a scam. But if you experienced this too maybe it's legit.
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Victoria Stark
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.
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Alice Fleming
AuthorThank you so much! This is super helpful. The envelope did have the official logos. I'll call the number you provided instead of the one on the card just to be extra careful.
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Benjamin Kim
BE CAREFUL!!!! My cousin got a fake EBT card in the mail last month and when she called the number and gave her info, someone emptied her whole account!!!!! Over $600 GONE!!! The county said they cant replace stolen benefits. ALWAYS call the official number on the CDSS website not whats on the card!!
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Samantha Howard
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.
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Alice Fleming
AuthorOh, that makes sense! I didn't know about the security upgrades. I'll follow these steps exactly. Really appreciate the detailed instructions.
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Megan D'Acosta
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!!
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Sarah Ali
Have you tried using Claimyr? I was in the same situation last month - stuck on hold forever, getting disconnected. I found this service that holds your place in line and calls you when a real person picks up. 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. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked great for my CalFresh recertification issue.
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Alice Fleming
AuthorSorry about your recertification issues, but this is a bit off-topic. I'm trying to figure out if my new card is legitimate and how to handle it.
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Ryan Vasquez
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
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Alice Fleming
AuthorThanks for confirming this is happening to others too. Seems like several people here have gotten replacement cards recently.
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Victoria Stark
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.
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Alice Fleming
AuthorYes, I called the official number and they confirmed it was legitimate! Apparently they're updating all cards with new security features. My funds transferred over automatically when I activated the new card. Thanks everyone for your help - saved me a lot of stress!
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Kolton Murphy
That's great to hear! Thanks for updating us on how it turned out. It's really helpful when people follow up to let others know the resolution. This thread will be useful for other folks who might get surprised by a new EBT card in the mail.
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