In an effort to combat rising levels of fraud in recent years, security updates are coming to Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards throughout California.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is issuing cards with chip/tap technology to boost security for those who utilize public assistance services like CalFresh and CalWorks. In addition, all cardholder information will move to the back of the new cards.
Clients can expect to receive a notice regarding the official rollout for the new cards sometime before the end of summer. The changes come as a part of a statewide initiative to address millions of dollars that have been stolen by scammers using skimming technology.
According to the L.A. County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), the county saw around $950,000 in EBT theft in 2021, a number that jumped to over $22.5 million in 2022. This past year, the number rose even further to $63.1 million.
“EBT theft has just skyrocketed in recent years and it’s been really devastating,” said DPSS Program Compliance Chief Gerry Bonilla. “A lot of people rely on benefits to survive, so imagine what it feels like when someone goes to use their card only to find out funds have been stolen. It’s terrible. We hope these new chip cards can help prevent that from happening.”
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors passed a motion last week to launch a multi-lingual awareness campaign that will help educate the public on the new cards. Authored by supervisors Hilda L. Solis and Janice Hahn, the motion directs local agencies to conduct outreach for EBT recipients as well as vendors to help smooth the transition.
“For many recipients these EBT funds are their primary resource to buy food, pay their rent, and purchase necessities for themselves and their family,” said Solis, who represents District 1, which encompasses Boyle Heights and East L.A. “It’s critical that this new EBT card distribution rolls out interrupted because even the slightest interruption could have a significant impact.”
The effort also aims to ensure that EBT-accepting businesses are prepared to accept the upcoming EBT chip cards. Businesses can get more information on requirements here.
For more resources on electronic theft, visit the DPSS website.
