How To Safeguard CalWORKs, CalFresh Benefits

Press release from the Napa County Government:

Sept. 20, 2023

Across California, customers are experiencing their CalWORKs and CalFresh benefits being stolen from their EBT card.

In order to help safeguard your benefits, here are some tips:

• Change your PIN prior to your monthly issuance (at the end of every month).
• Enroll in direct deposit to receive your cash benefits.
• Do not keep your EBT card and PIN together.
• Do not write your PIN on your card.
• Do not keep your card where others can see it, always keep it in a safe place after using it.
• Do not use ATMs that appear to have been altered.
• Do not use ATMs with unusual signage, such as a command to enter a PIN twice to complete a transaction.
• Keep your PIN secret and do not share your PIN with anyone.
• Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Watch this informational video with tips on staying vigilant for EBT scams:

• Watch Out for EBT Scams! (Video in English)
• Tenga Cuidado Con Las Estafas De Las Tarjetas EBT! (vídeo en español)

Visit our Beware of EBT Theft and Scams web page for additional information.

This press release was produced by the Napa County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.