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East County News ServiceJan. 23, 2026 (San Diego County) -- More attention to security needs and new chips are making a difference in the safety of electronic benefits cards, also known as EBT cards.
San Diego County officials report that enhanced security measures and new chips have led to an 84 percent reduction in EBT card thefts affecting the county’s CalFresh, CalWORKs and General Relief recipients.
Nearly a year ago, the California Department of Social Services 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. Prior to the shift to improve security, California EBT cardholder information was traditionally printed on the front 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.
The measures build off the county’s previous efforts to combat theft. In March 2025, the County piloted forced PIN resets for compromised cardholders, reducing theft by 80 percent among 30,000 compromised cardholders. The best practice was widely adopted across the state, significantly reducing card theft.
ECM reported on this issue several years ago here.
The bigger picture
More than 400,000 County residents are eligible to use EBT cards. CalFresh customers use their EBT card to buy fresh produce and food at a variety of stores across the state. CalWORKs and General Relief customers use cash aid to help them become more self-sufficient in paying for food, housing, clothes and other basic necessities.
While the new cards are more secure, the county reports that recipients can take further 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;
- And never share your PIN. Treat it like a password and keep it private.
County officials said that neither the state of California or the county 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
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.
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