Safeguard your EBT benefits – Welcome to San Bernardino County

Information and video provided by the California Department of Social Services.

The San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department (TAD) is committed to protecting you from EBT electronic theft. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is continually looking for ways to improve security, reduce theft and simplify communications. To better protect yourself from fraud, the CDSS has prepared some useful tips for EBT card users for CalFresh, CalWORKs and other programs to safely access their food and cash benefits.

Useful Tips (visit https://www.cdss.ca.gov/ebt-safety for a full list of tips)

Do not share your EBT card number, personal identification number (PIN), Social Security Number (SSN) or date of birth (DOB). Do not trust text or phone calls that ask for this information. Someone who knows your card number, SSN and your date of birth may be able to change your PIN.
Change your PIN regularly. Your PIN should not be easy for thieves to guess.
Never enter your PIN if you think someone is watching you.
Do not use ATMs that appear to have been altered.
Never write your PIN on your card and do not keep your card and PIN together.
Never give your PIN to grocery store staff, farmers’ market staff, or any cashier even if they ask for it.

The county or state will never text or call you requesting your personal information such as your EBT card number and your PIN. If someone contacts you about your EBT account, you should not provide any personal information. Any other phone number you are asked to call for EBT is likely a scam to steal your benefits. However, if you call a local TAD office or the EBT customer service line directly, you will need to provide your EBT card number.

Stolen EBT Benefits

Electronic theft is a form of identity theft. If you believe your cash benefits were removed from your account and you did not use your EBT card and PIN to withdraw the cash, electronic theft may have occurred. Please immediately contact your caseworker or San Bernardino County TAD office for assistance. You should also file a police report with your local police department (although this is not required). To avoid EBT theft, you may be able to have your cash benefits directly deposited into your bank account. Contact your local county office for more information.

For information on how to get your EBT cash and/or food benefits replaced, view the EBT 2259 – Report Of Electronic Theft Of Cash Aid.

Lost, Damaged, Stolen Cards

If your card is lost, damaged or stolen you should report it to customer service immediately at 877-328-9677 to have your EBT card canceled. If benefits are withdrawn by someone else before you call customer service, your benefits might not be replaced.

Use ebtEDGE to Protect Yourself from Electronic Theft

Use the free ebtEDGE mobile and web-based application to manage your CalFresh and/or CalWORKs benefits, check your balances, review your transaction history and more – available now for download in the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). You can also manage your account online at www.ebt.ca.gov.

Pin Number Changes

If you think someone knows your PIN, you should immediately call the customer service telephone number on the back of your EBT card at 877-328-9677 to select a new PIN over the telephone. You can also change your PIN at your local San Bernardino County TAD office.

Questions or Problems with Your EBT

Call the customer service telephone number at 877-328-9677 on the back of your EBT card.

For questions regarding benefits, eligibility and/or monthly benefit amount, please contact your local TTAD office. To find a location near you, please call 877-410-8829 or visit https://wp.sbcounty.gov/tad/find-an-office/.

Additional County Update News – November 14, 2024