BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — What began as dozens of complaints about stolen benefits at Human Services offices turned out to be the result of a years-long problem with EBT theft in California.
In response to a KGET request, the California Department of Social Services estimated that its losses since 2021 totalled $439 million in stolen EBT benefits.
Those losses began at less than $100,000 per month halfway through 2021 and have skyrocketed since.
The state is currently losing more than $10 million per month in taxpayer funds to thieves who steal from EBT accounts assigned to other people. Recipients are reimbursed for their losses, but taxpayers must cover the costs.
Arrests and prosecutions are incredibly rare.
In Kern County, only two cases have been filed against alleged EBT thieves, and less than $80,000 of the stolen $6.8 million has been recovered. The state does not keep track of the total amount of stolen money recovered across the state.
Reimbursements account for less than 3% of total benefits provided statewide, while millions of taxpayer dollars remain unaccounted for.
We enquired with the Department of Social Services about the number of cases being investigated statewide for EBT theft.
We did not receive a specific number for that question. The Department stated that it is still working with local, state, and federal law enforcement to reduce EBT benefit theft, and that multiple investigations and arrests have taken place.
Lauren Kriewaldt had $800 of her benefits stolen on February 2nd and received a reimbursement a week later. 17 News spoke with Kriewaldt at the Department of Human Services, and she says she is still struggling to get them back despite calling and complaining to the department.
A video tutorial was posted on the state Social Service YouTube page in October 2022, explaining the rise of credit card fraud caused by skimming devices and providing tips on how to avoid it.
In 2025, EBT thefts do not appear to have slowed statewide. In January 2025, more than $14,181,029 in benefits were stolen. The DA’s Office reported a loss of nearly $200,000 in Kern County.
The Department continues to promote its ebtEDGE app for benefit monitoring, while advising users to delete all other EBT benefits apps, which may also be stealing user information.
The Kern County Department of Human Services has provided the following information:
- EBT website – www.ebt.ca.gov
- CDSS website – www.cdss.ca.gov/ebt/ebt-electronic-theft-resources
- EBT Helpline – 1-877-328-9677
- Online help at www.BenefitsCal.com
- DHS Call Center – 1-877-410-8812, or come into any DHS office location
Safety measures include downloading the ebtEDGE Mobile App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Do not use any other unauthorised websites. Using the new EBT chip/tap card once it arrives.
Another good idea is to switch to receiving your benefits through direct deposit with your bank.
To report suspected fraud, contact fraudprevention@dss.ca.gov
