Enhanced security measures and new chips have led to an 84% reduction in electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card thefts effecting San Diego County’s CalFresh, CalWORKs and General Relief recipients.
Nearly a year ago, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) issued new EBT cards with chips similar to those in many credit cards. The card expiration date, card security code and all personal information also were moved to the back side of the card.
Other safety measures include a new app, called ebtEDGE, allowing recipients to securely manage their accounts. It is now easier for recipients believed to have had their EBT card compromised to reset their PIN number.
“This drastic decline in theft shows what we can do when we work together across jurisdictions,” Alberto Banuelos, PhD, interim director, Self Sufficiency Services said. “Every recipient deserves peace of mind knowing their benefits are safe, which is a goal we’ve been diligently working on to protect our most vulnerable neighbors for decades.”
The measures build off San Diego County’s previous efforts to combat theft. In March 2025, the County piloted forced PIN resets for compromised cardholders, reducing theft by 80% amongst 30,000 compromised cardholders. The best practice was widely adopted across the state, significantly reducing card theft.
About 405,000 County residents are eligible to use EBT cards. CalFresh customers use their EBT card to buy fresh produce and nutritious food at a variety of stores across the state. CalWORKs and General Relief customers use cash aid to help them become more self-sufficient, whether that is paying for food, housing, clothes or other basic necessities.
While the new cards are more secure, recipients can take steps to protect their benefits.
- Change your PIN regularly. Avoid using easily guessed numbers like birthdays or repeated digits.
- Monitor your account. Use the ebtEDGE app or website to check transactions frequently.
- Report suspicious activity immediately. If you think your card or PIN has been compromised, call the EBT Customer Service number on the back of your card.
- Never share your PIN. Treat it like a password and keep it private.
Neither the State of California or the County of San Diego will ever call or text asking for your card or PIN number.
San Diego County remains committed to protecting residents’ benefits and ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most. For more information and resources, visit BenefitsCal or SanDiegoCounty.gov.
