05-02-2025
Kern County District Attorney warns of EBT fraud after millions in benefits lost
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer is warning against EBT fraud and is advising of steps people can take as precaution.
Zimmer says her office is aware of people using skimming devices and fraudulent EBT cards to conduct ATM fraud withdrawals in the county.
'I don't know what I'm going to do': Hundreds at Kern County Dept. of Human Services seek answers over lost funds
The District Attorney's office has collaborated with the California Department of Social Services and the Kern County Department of Human Services to combat the activity, according to a statement Tuesday.
The Kern County Department of Human Services advises the following precautions:
Report theft to the Department of Human Services either in person or online through the account or through the EBT helpline at 877-328-9677.
Download and use the ebtEDGE mobile app as a method to manage benefits and reset your pin frequently. The app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
You can also manage your account online at the state's website.
Click here for the hours of operation of the Kern County Department of Human Services.
Over the last seven months, over $2 million has been stolen from EBT cards, officials said.
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