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EBT Card Theft Plummets 84% in San Diego

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. /16/ebt-card-theft-plummets-84-in-san-diego.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 3:44 GMT by Patch
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

SAN DIEGO, CA - February 16th, 2026 - San Diego County is experiencing a dramatic decline in Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card theft, marking a significant victory in the ongoing battle against benefit fraud. Recent data reveals an 84% decrease in reported incidents since the statewide rollout of new, chip-enabled EBT cards began in October. This positive trend highlights the effectiveness of the California Department of Social Services' proactive approach to safeguarding crucial resources for vulnerable populations.

The surge in EBT theft, often referred to as "skimming," became a critical concern across the nation in 2024 and early 2025. Criminals exploited vulnerabilities in older magnetic stripe cards, utilizing sophisticated skimming devices at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals to steal benefit funds. This created immense hardship for recipients, many of whom were already struggling with food insecurity and financial instability. The issue garnered national attention, prompting federal investigations and calls for enhanced security measures.

California responded swiftly by initiating the program to replace millions of outdated EBT cards with those incorporating EMV chip technology - the same technology used to secure credit and debit card transactions for years. The chip creates a unique transaction code each time the card is used, making it significantly harder for fraudsters to clone cards or intercept sensitive data. The gradual distribution began with pilot programs in several counties before expanding statewide.

"This is a huge win for our community and for the families who rely on these benefits," stated Supervisor Nora Vargas during a press conference earlier today. "We've seen firsthand the devastating impact of EBT theft, the anxiety it causes, and the real hardship it creates for families trying to put food on the table. This new technology is a critical step in protecting our vulnerable populations, and we are committed to continuing to enhance security measures to ensure benefits reach those who need them most."

Beyond the implementation of chip-enabled cards, the California Department of Social Services has adopted a multi-faceted approach to combatting EBT fraud. These additional measures include a more robust fraud detection system, real-time monitoring of transactions, and the implementation of enhanced fraud alerts. These alerts are delivered directly to recipients via text message or email, notifying them of potentially suspicious activity on their accounts. The department has also significantly tightened verification processes, making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access and utilize benefits. Furthermore, the department is working with retail partners to educate employees about recognizing and reporting fraudulent activity.

The department estimates that the new cards and supplementary security protocols have already prevented the loss of millions of dollars in fraudulent transactions. Preliminary figures suggest a cost savings of over $15 million statewide since October, a figure expected to grow as the new cards continue to circulate and replace older versions. Experts predict that this investment in security will not only protect benefits but also reduce administrative costs associated with investigating and resolving fraudulent claims.

However, officials are cautioning residents against complacency. Despite the significant reduction in theft, vulnerabilities still exist, and vigilance remains paramount. "While the new cards represent a major advancement, we urge residents to remain cautious and proactive," explained a spokesperson for the Department of Social Services. "It's crucial to protect your EBT card as you would any other debit or credit card. Never share your PIN, be wary of suspicious emails or phone calls requesting your card information, and report any lost or stolen cards immediately."

Residents who suspect EBT fraud are encouraged to contact the California Department of Social Services through their dedicated fraud hotline or report incidents to their local law enforcement agencies. The department is also promoting educational resources online, providing tips on how to identify and prevent EBT fraud. The success in San Diego County serves as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges, demonstrating the power of proactive security measures and a commitment to protecting vital benefit programs.