FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2019

Contact: James Bolden, (562) 908-8482

NEW SCAM TARGETS EBT CARDHOLDERS THROUGH U.S. MAIL

DPSS warns customers to be aware of suspicious letters sent by U.S. mail

The Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) has issued a warning about the latest scam targeting Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders using U.S. mail to fraudulently attain client personal information.

According to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), a client reported receiving a letter in the mail instructing them to call (559) 461-9778 to renew their benefits. THIS IS A SCAM!  

EBT cardholders should never provide personal information to unknown third parties. If anyone receives such a letter or suspects that they’ve been a victim of this scam, they should immediately call the phone number on the back of their EBT card, change their PIN and report their EBT card as lost or stolen.

Here are a few ways to make sure your identity is not compromised:

• Know who you share information with;
• Store and dispose of your personal information securely, especially your Social Security Number;
• Ask questions before deciding to share your personal information;
• Maintain appropriate security on your electronic devices.

If you believe that you have been a victim of a phone or text scam, please call the DPSS Customer Service Call Center at (866) 613-3777.