Latest news with #KernCountyDept.ofHumanServices
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Yahoo
California issuing new EBT chip/tap cards as $2.5 million in cash aid stolen from Kern County residents
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — More than $2 million in taxpayer dollars intended for the county's neediest citizens was stolen in the last seven months, according to the District Attorney's office. The Kern County District Attorney, Cynthia Zimmer, revealed Tuesday the amount stolen as $2,549,401.54 in the first public acknowledgement of the scope of the problem in Kern County. 'I feel like they're not doing enough to investigate it,' said Lauren Kriewaldt. Most of the people who are hurt don't know what has happened and they're desperate for answers. 'I don't know what I'm going to do': Hundreds at Kern County Dept. of Human Services seek answers over lost funds 'I just hope they catch whoever is responsible and actually charge them,' said Branda Cofield. The Department of Human Services said they receive about 800 requests per month regarding EBT theft. A month ago, the District Attorney's office and the state conducted a sting operation in Kern County that targeted skimming devices and fraudulent EBT cards. Norbert Karaba, 34, was charged with grand theft and fraud. The charges allege he had 78 cloned EBT cards and stole over $63,000 in cash. Karaba was arrested while allegedly withdrawing money from ATMs, and is out on bail. The ATM withdrawals look similar to ones victims shared with 17 News. Neither the District Attorney's office or the Department of Human Services have confirmed if February's thefts are related to Karaba. The state department of social services will soon roll out new cards which include tap to pay. They recommend beneficiaries to switch to tap to pay to lessen the chance of their cards being cloned by skimmers. These can be in ATMs, stores, even gas stations, and sometimes difficult to detect. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The department also recommends beneficiaries to monitor their movements through the ebtEDGE mobile app or through the website here. Though, users have become weary of apps, fearing their information might also be stolen through these. The Bakersfield Police Department can take your report if you believe your card was cloned or spot a suspected skimmer, call the non-emergency line at 661-327-7111. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Yahoo
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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
