County Officials Warn Consumers Of Potential EBT Card Scam

SAN DIEGO–The County’s Health and Human Services Agency is warning electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card users about a text messaging scam.

While there have been no reported victims in San Diego county, there have been cases in other parts of California and Health and Human agency wants clients to be aware of the potential risk.

Perpetrators are targeting people who get CalWORKs, CalFresh and General Relief.

The scammers send a text to public assistance recipients about their benefits, asking them to call a phone number for more information. When the person calls the number, an automated message system tells them to register their EBT card by entering their card, PIN and Social Security numbers. The message says if they don’t, they will lose access to their benefits.

Those using EBT cards to access benefits are reminded to safeguard their personal information including passwords and PIN numbers.

Anyone who receives a suspicious text message should contact the California EBT Customer Service Helpline at (877) 328-9677 or the HHSA ACESSS customer service center at (866) 262-9881.