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Update 24-04: EBT In-Person PIN Change Requests
Clerical Handbook
| Date | References | Clerical | Implementation |
| 11/25/24 | ACL 24-25 | Yes | Immediately |
Background
There has been a recent surge in fraudulent activity, which uses illegal skimming by third-party individuals not affiliated with the benefit recipients to create, clone, or copy Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. In most instances, the compromised card numbers belong to cases outside the county offices handling the Personal Identification Number (PIN) changes. After the PINs of the compromised cards are altered, the unknown third parties use the EBT cards to steal cash and food benefits.
Changes
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is introducing a new policy to address the electronic theft of benefits stemming from fraudulent PIN change activities. Effective immediately, in-person PIN changes will no longer be permitted at county welfare offices outside the cardholder's county of benefits issuance. When an individual goes to a county welfare office to change the PIN on an EBT card, and the benefits assigned to that card are issued from a different county, the PIN change must be refused, and the individual should be guided to one of the three options outlined in Clerical Handbook Chapter 6, Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) In-Person Personal Identification Number (PIN) Change Requests section.
Reminder: District offices must not leave PIN machines unattended. PIN machines must be kept behind counters at windows or in an office. After business hours, the machines must be disconnected and locked away.
Department of Employment & Benefits Services
Contact Person(s): Elizabeth Garay, SSA BPIS