Suspicious DPSS automated call about EBT PIN change - scam alert?

OMG I got the exact same call last week!!!! didnt answer but the vm was weird. when i called back same thing happened - just said dpss and hung up. i ignored it and nothing bad happened to my benefits.

This is definitely a scam! The real DPSS will never call you asking to change your PIN that way. They don't manage EBT PINs at all - that's handled through the EBT vendor (currently FIS). If there was a legitimate PIN issue, you'd get official mail with the actual EBT customer service number (1-877-328-9677) and they wouldn't use an automated call telling you to "download an app" - there is an official CalFresh app (CalFresh Mobile) but they wouldn't direct you to it for PIN changes. These scammers are getting more sophisticated. They're spoofing DPSS phone numbers and trying to get people to give up their EBT card info so they can drain benefits.

ya this sounds like the ebt scams they talked about on the news. they try 2 get ur info then steal ur benafits. I got a text once saying my calfresh was expiring and needed 2 "verify" my card number. total bs. i almost fell for it cuz i was worried about feeding my kids

100% scam. Here's what you need to know about legitimate EBT/CalFresh communications: 1. DPSS will never call about PIN changes - that's handled by the EBT processor 2. Official communications about your case come through mail, your BenefitsCal account, or your caseworker calling from an official county number 3. Legitimate automated calls from DPSS are about appointment reminders or missing verification documents, not PIN changes 4. Real DPSS workers identify themselves with name, worker number, and office 5. The county will never ask for your full card number or PIN over the phone Report this to DPSS fraud department at 800-349-9970 so they can track these scams.

I had something similar happen and spent THREE DAYS trying to reach someone at DPSS to ask about it. I kept getting disconnected or stuck on hold forever. I finally got through to a worker who confirmed it was a scam targeting EBT recipients. They said never give your PIN to anyone and only use the number on the back of your card for PIN issues. I've found that using Claimyr (claimyr.com) is the only way I can reliably get through to DPSS these days without waiting hours. They have a service that holds your place in line and calls you back when a worker is available. Saved me so much stress! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

Yes! It's been a lifesaver for me. You still have to talk to the same workers, but it handles all the waiting and calling back if you get disconnected. I used to waste entire days trying to reach someone at DPSS.

My neighbor got his ENTIRE MONTHS benefits stolen this way!!! The scammers got his info and transferred all his CalFresh to their own card or something. The county basically told him too bad so sad, nothing they could do. Be super careful people!

He was completely out of luck. Had to use food banks for the rest of the month. The county said something about "federal regulations" not allowing them to replace benefits lost to fraud. It's really messed up.

Quick update on this topic: The USDA (which runs SNAP/CalFresh) recently changed their policy and counties CAN now replace some stolen benefits, but you have to report it within 30 days. The new policy started in 2023. Your county worker might not know about it yet since some counties are slow to implement changes. If you experience benefit theft, immediately: 1. Call EBT customer service to report the card stolen 2. File a police report (get a case number) 3. Contact your county office to request replacement benefits under the new federal policy 4. Get a new EBT card with a new PIN They can replace up to 2 months of stolen benefits now.

Can I add something important? ALWAYS check your EBT balance regularly through the official app or by calling the number on your card. Scammers count on people not noticing their benefits are gone until they're at the checkout line trying to buy groceries. If you check frequently, you can catch unauthorized transactions sooner.