The Providers Guide to EBT Theft in California

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My benefits were stolen off my EBT card. What can I do?

  1. Call California EBT customer service immediately at (877) 328 - 9677. Make sure to report all lost benefits and cancel your card.
  2. If you had your EBT card with you when your benefits were stolen, you may be able to get your benefits replaced by the California Department of Social Services. Fill out a Report of Electronic Theft of Benefits form and give it to a county worker. Your claim must be submitted within 90 days of the theft.

What is EBT card skimming and phishing?

Skimming and phishing scams are on the rise. Scammers hide skimming devices on card machines to steal your EBT information and PIN as you swipe your card, or send fraudulent texts pretending to be the government.

Does Providers protect against EBT theft?

It is not possible for Providers to facilitate theft: we never save your EBT card number and never ask for your PIN. We also never share or sell your information without your consent. to learn more about how we protect your data, please review our Privacy Policy.

This page was written based on official government sources, and has been edited for simplicity.

We work hard to ensure this information is accurate, helpful, and up-to-date. We welcome any corrections or feedback here.