WARNING: CalFresh EBT app security concerns - possible scam alert?
Is anyone else worried about these EBT apps? Just got a text from my sister saying she had $1,500 stolen from her CalFresh benefits last week. Someone at the grocery store told her it might be because of the mobile EBT app she was using to check her balance. Apparently scammers can hack into these apps and steal your information? Should I delete the CalFresh Mobile app off my phone? Has anyone else had their benefits stolen this way? I'm a single mom with 3 kids and CANNOT afford to lose our food money right now. The county office was no help when my sister called.
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Lydia Bailey
YES! This happened to my neighbor too!!! They stole ALL her benefits the day after they loaded - $875 GONE!!! The county kept saying "we're investigating" but she didnt get her money back for almost 2 MONTHS!!! These scammers are everywhere now targeting us EBT users. I DELETED all those balance checker apps immediately. Better safe than sorry!!!
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Marcus Patterson
•OMG that's terrifying. Did she ever find out how they got her info? Was it definitely from the app?
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Mateo Warren
wait is the official CalFresh Mobile app unsafe too?? i thought only the 3rd party apps were dangerous... been using the state one for months with no problems
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Sofia Price
•There's a difference between official apps and third-party apps. The official BenefitsCal app and the official CalFresh Mobile app from California DSS are generally secure when downloaded from official app stores. Third-party balance checkers are the ones to be cautious about. Make sure you're downloading apps directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, not from links in texts or emails which can be phishing attempts.
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Alice Coleman
i dont trust any of those apps personally. i just call the number on the back of my ebt card when i need to check my balance. old school but nobody can hack a phone call lol
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Marcus Patterson
•That's smart. I might do that from now on. Though sometimes that automated system drives me crazy...
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Owen Jenkins
Let me clarify some important security information about CalFresh and EBT apps: 1. Official apps from California Department of Social Services (like BenefitsCal) use encryption and security protocols to protect your information 2. Third-party balance checker apps might not have the same security standards 3. Most benefit theft happens through card skimmers at stores or ATMs, not through apps 4. If you suspect benefit theft, report it immediately to the EBT Customer Service (877-328-9677) and your county office 5. Never share your PIN with anyone, even family members 6. Check your balance regularly to catch unauthorized transactions quickly Theft claims must be reported within 10 days for the best chance of getting benefits replaced. California now has better protections for EBT theft, but the reporting timeframe is still important.
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Marcus Patterson
•Thanks for this info. What about the physical card itself? My sister's card was still in her wallet when her benefits were stolen. How does that even happen?
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Owen Jenkins
•Your sister's situation sounds like card cloning, which happens when thieves use skimming devices attached to card readers. They capture your card data when you swipe and may have a hidden camera to record your PIN. Then they create a duplicate card. Another method is "card not present" fraud where thieves somehow get your card number and PIN without the physical card. To protect yourself: - Cover the keypad when entering your PIN - Inspect card readers for anything suspicious before inserting your card - Change your PIN monthly - Check your balance frequently - Consider setting up transaction alerts if available Also remember the official California EBT app is generally secure, but avoid third-party apps that claim to offer EBT services.
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Lilah Brooks
my cousin had this happen and she spent WEEKS trying to get through to calfresh. kept getting disconnected or waiting forever on hold. total nightmare trying to report it!
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Jackson Carter
•I had the same problem trying to report benefit theft last year! I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to a CalFresh worker in about 10 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. They basically wait on hold for you and call you when a real person answers. Saved me so much stress when dealing with my theft claim. You can check out how it works at claimyr.com or watch their demo at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Way better than the anxiety of wondering if you'll get disconnected after waiting an hour!
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Sofia Price
I work with an organization that helps people with benefit issues. Here's what we're seeing with the recent increase in EBT theft: 1. Most theft is happening through skimming devices at stores/ATMs, not through official apps 2. California passed new protections (AB 1811) that make it easier to get stolen benefits replaced 3. If your benefits are stolen, you should: - Report to local law enforcement - Call EBT Customer Service (877-328-9677) - Contact your county office - Complete the "EBT Benefit Theft Report" The California EBT app from the official app store is generally secure. The bigger risks are skimmers, phishing texts/emails claiming to be from CalFresh, and sharing your PIN or card information. If you're concerned, use the phone number on your EBT card to check balances instead of any app.
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Lydia Bailey
•what about getting a replacement card?? my friend got a new card with new number after her benefits were stolen and they told her that would stop it from happening again
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Marcus Patterson
Update: I called the EBT customer service number and asked specifically about app security. The rep told me that the OFFICIAL California EBT app is secure but to be careful about any other apps that claim to work with EBT. She also said most theft is happening from skimmers at stores or from phishing scams where people get texts/emails pretending to be from CalFresh asking for their info. I'm keeping the official app but deleted a third-party balance checker I had. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Alice Coleman
•thanks for updating us! good to know the official one is ok at least
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Harmony Love
This is so scary but thank you all for sharing your experiences. I'm a new CalFresh recipient and had no idea about these risks. Just downloaded what I thought was the official app but now I'm second-guessing myself. Can someone confirm - is the app called "BenefitsCal" the official one? And should I be worried if I've already used it to check my balance a few times? I'm really paranoid now about entering my PIN anywhere. Also does anyone know if there are specific stores that are worse for skimmers? I usually shop at the same few places but wondering if I should switch it up.
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Liam O'Reilly
•Yes, "BenefitsCal" is one of the official apps from California DSS! If you downloaded it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, you should be fine. I've been using it for months without issues. As for stores, I've heard gas stations and smaller convenience stores tend to have more skimmer problems, but honestly it can happen anywhere. The key things are to cover your PIN when typing it, wiggle the card reader a bit before inserting your card to see if anything feels loose, and check your balance regularly. Don't stress too much - just be aware and take basic precautions!
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