Is this P-EBT text about 'locked benefits' at 1-866-982-1240 a scam?

DO NOT CALL THAT NUMBER!!! This is 100% a SCAM!!! The real P-EBT helpline is 877-328-9677 and they NEVER text about 'locked benefits'. These scammers are trying to get your card number and PIN to steal your funds. I got something similar last month and when I called my county worker they confirmed it was fake. They're targeting P-EBT recipients because a lot of us are parents who can't afford to lose those benefits. Report it to the fraud department!

This is definitely a scam attempt. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) that administers P-EBT will never text you about 'locked benefits' or ask you to call an unfamiliar number. The official P-EBT customer service number is 877-328-9677, and for security issues with your card, you'd contact the EBT Customer Service at 877-328-9677. These scams are unfortunately becoming more common in 2025. If you want to verify your P-EBT benefit status, you should log into your secure account at ca.p-ebt.org or call the official number directly from the back of your P-EBT card.

If you're worried about your actual P-EBT benefits, you can check them safely by calling the number on the back of your P-EBT card or by logging into the official California P-EBT portal. Remember that government agencies typically send official letters, not text messages with urgent calls to action. You should report this scam to a few places: 1. The FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov 2. Forward the text to SPAM (7726) 3. Your local CalFresh office so they're aware scammers are targeting beneficiaries in your area

i got this exact message yesterday!!!! same number and everything. my friend who also gets p-ebt for her kids called it and they asked for her card number and pin right away. she hung up thank god. they're targeting everyone on benefits right now its so messed up

When I had an issue with my P-EBT card last year it was impossible to get through on the official line. I tried for days and kept getting disconnected or stuck on hold for hours. I started using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to help me actually reach a real person - it's a service that waits on hold for you and calls you when a worker picks up. Helped me resolve my issue within a day instead of weeks. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. For legit benefit questions, it's a lifesaver, especially when everyone's calling about these scams.

To verify your legitimate P-EBT status, you should: 1. Call the OFFICIAL P-EBT helpline: 877-328-9677 2. Check your balance at www.ebt.ca.gov or the official P-EBT portal 3. If concerned, visit your county CalFresh office in person For P-EBT issues specifically, remember that this is a separate program from regular CalFresh, though both use EBT cards. P-EBT is specifically for families with children who would have received free or reduced-price meals at school. Any legitimate communication about P-EBT would come through official channels, not random text messages.

Makes me SO ANGRY how these scammers target families who are just trying to feed their kids!!!!!! I hope everyone forwards these texts to 7726 and reports them. The county worker told me they've seen a 300% increase in these scams since January 2025. NEVER give your EBT card # or PIN to ANYONE who calls or texts you!!!

i got a text from that exact number last week! defintly a scam, my friend at WIC told me govt benefits never text about locked accounts