How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?

Phishing and spam attacks are surging across California, putting EBT cardholders at greater risk. Understanding how thieves operate is the first step toward protecting your benefits and knowing what to do if they are stolen.

How EBT Benefits Are Stolen

Thieves use several methods, from physical card skimmers at payment terminals to smishing texts that create a false urgency. These scams trick you into sharing your card number and PIN, sometimes by directing you to a fraudulent website to check EBT balance in California. This allows criminals to clone your card and spend your benefits.

What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen

If an EBT balance check in California shows missing funds, you may get them back. CalFresh benefits stolen electronically after October 1, 2022, can be replaced if you report the theft within 10 days and submit form EBT-2259 within 90 days. CalWORKs EBT Cash can be replaced once every 36 months under similar rules.

Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them

Beyond security threats, cardholders sometimes face other frustrating issues. Here’s a look at some common problems with EBT cards and how you can quickly resolve them to access your benefits.

Grocery Or Point-Of-Sale Transaction Is Declined

A point-of-sale terminal may reject your purchase even when you know benefits are available. This often happens if the store is not USDA-authorized for SNAP, the card's magnetic stripe is damaged, the wrong PIN was entered, or your account balance is too low for the transaction. A quick EBT balance check in California can often prevent this issue.

• Before you shop, confirm your funds. You can call 1-877-328-9677, check your last receipt, log in at the cardholder portal, or open the Benny mobile app for a real-time total.

• If your balance is sufficient, try the card again.

• If the card appears damaged, call the EBT Customer Service line or your county Human Services office to request a replacement. It should arrive within 5-7 business days.

PIN Locked Or Forgotten

For security, your card will lock after four incorrect PIN attempts. This can happen if a child accidentally taps the keypad, a caregiver mis-keys the number, or you simply forget it. This can be a problem if you need to check California EBT balance.

• Call EBT Customer Service at 1-877-328-9677 and choose the PIN option. You will need to verify your identity with your card number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

• Once your identity is confirmed, you can choose a new 4-digit PIN.

• You can also change your PIN in person at a county office or at certain ATMs.

Card Expired, Warped, Or Unreadable

EBT cards are typically issued to expire every four years, but they can become worn and unreadable much sooner. You’ll know it’s time for a replacement if the expiration date on the front has passed or store terminals report an error, which can prevent you from being able to check EBT balance in California.

• Call EBT Customer Service to order a free replacement. Your benefits schedule will remain the same.

• Confirm your mailing address with the agent. If you need the card sooner, ask your county worker if a same-day emergency issuance is available at a local office.

• Once you activate the new card, destroy the old one.