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Sacramento County is warning residents about a new scam targeting Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cardholders through social media. Criminals are posting fake advertisements offering free government smartphones to trick people into sharing personal information and stealing CalFresh and CalWORKs benefits.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) recently alerted counties across California that scammers are using Facebook Marketplace and similar online platforms to advertise "free government phones." Victims are asked to provide photos of their EBT card, their full Social Security number and other personal information. After submitting the information, some individuals later discovered their EBT PIN had been changed and their benefits were stolen.
County officials remind residents that Sacramento County and CDSS will never ask for your EBT card number, PIN or Social Security number through social media, text messages or unsolicited online advertisements.
What is the new EBT scam?
The scam begins with an online advertisement claiming people who receive government benefits qualify for a free smartphone.
To apply, individuals are asked to submit:
- A photo of their EBT card
- Their EBT card number
- Their PIN
- Their full Social Security number
- Other personal identifying information
After collecting this information, scammers gain access to the victim's EBT account, change the PIN and make unauthorized purchases using their benefits.
How can you protect your EBT benefits?
If you receive CalFresh or CalWORKs benefits, take these steps to protect your account:
- Never share your EBT card number or PIN.
- Never upload photos of your EBT card to social media or online marketplaces.
- Do not respond to unsolicited offers for free government phones or other government benefits.
- Change your EBT PIN regularly.
- Review your EBT account often for unauthorized transactions.
- Use the official ebtEDGE mobile app or online portal to lock your card, block online purchases, review transactions and update your PIN.
What should you do if your EBT benefits are stolen?
If you believe you shared your information or notice unauthorized activity on your EBT account:
- Immediately call the EBT Customer Service number on the back of your card at 877-328-9677 to report your card and change your PIN.
- Contact Sacramento County at 1-800-560-0976.
- Submit an EBT 2259 Report of Electronic Theft of Benefits to request replacement of stolen benefits if you qualify.
Reporting the theft quickly can help protect your remaining benefits and improve your chances of receiving replacement benefits.
How do scammers steal EBT benefits?
There are two common types of EBT theft:
Skimming: Criminals install devices on card readers that secretly copy card information.
Scamming: Criminals convince people to voluntarily provide their EBT card number, PIN or personal information through fake websites, text messages, emails, phone calls or social media advertisements.
The latest scam reported by CDSS falls into the second category and relies on identity theft instead of card-skimming devices.
How do I know if an EBT offer is legitimate?
A legitimate government agency will never ask you to:
- Send a photo of your EBT card
- Share your PIN
- Provide your full Social Security number through social media
- Respond to Facebook Marketplace advertisements to receive benefits
If you're unsure whether an offer is legitimate, contact Sacramento County before sharing any personal information.
Learn more about EBT fraud prevention
Sacramento County encourages all EBT cardholders to regularly monitor their accounts and stay informed about new scams. Additional information about preventing EBT theft, replacing stolen benefits and securing your account is available on the California Department of Social Services EBT website and Sacramento County's EBT theft resource page.