L.A. County launches EBT Safety & Security Month to fight benefit theft

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services launched an Electronic Benefits Transfer Safety and Security Month, the department announced Oct. 8, 2026.

The department said EBT card skimming accounted for over $42.7 million in stolen card benefits in Los Angeles County in 2025; it also said California cardholders have used ebtEDGE security controls such as card freezing more than 9.5 million times since those state features launched.

The campaign pairs two defenses: protecting retail point-of-sale equipment and hardening cardholder accounts. Businesses are advised to check payment terminals for physical tampering or skimming overlays, monitor checkout areas and contact the California EBT Retailer Hotline at (866) 328-4212 for POS technical support.

Customers are advised to use tap-to-pay first, then the chip, and to swipe the magnetic stripe only when absolutely necessary; the department encouraged cardholders to download the free ebtEDGE app to lock or freeze cards between purchases, change PINs regularly, and block out-of-state or online transactions.

"Protecting these critical public benefits takes a community-wide effort. EBT Safety and Security Month connects everyone: local business owners checking their equipment, customers securing their benefits through the ebtEDGE app, and community partners sharing vital information. By equipping everyone with strategies and tools, we can prevent benefit theft and protect the resources our neighbors count on," said Dr. Jackie Contreras, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services.

For questions or to report fraudulent activity, the department listed the EBT Customer Service Center at (877) 328-9677; outreach materials and campaign updates are available from the department, and the DPSS website and social-media channels carry further information.

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