California officials have issued a warning regarding a fraudulent mobile application that mimics a state-sponsored tool aimed at Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders. The app, titled “Ebt edge – food stamps,” is currently available for download on the Apple App Store and is reportedly charging users weekly fees for services that parallel those offered by the legitimate state-run application, “ebtEDGE.”
The legitimate ebtEDGE app, launched by the California Department of Social Services in November 2023, enables EBT cardholders to manage their benefits without incurring any costs. In contrast, the fraudulent app demands a weekly payment of $4.99 or a one-time fee of $60 for what it claims are benefit management services. The presence of such a fee raises immediate red flags about the app’s legitimacy, according to officials.
This fraud alert is particularly significant in light of the state’s substantial reliance on EBT cards for assistance programs such as CalFresh, which recently issued over 4.4 million cards to residents. The reported spikes in fraudulent transaction claims—over 80,620 in the first quarter of the 2025 fiscal year—underscore the urgency of protecting vulnerable populations from scams.
The implications for California are substantial, particularly as it navigates the ongoing challenges of fraud prevention in publicly funded benefits. The state has promptly alerted Apple about the deceptive app, although the lack of immediate action from the tech giant raises questions about oversight and consumer safety on digital platforms.
As the state ramps up its efforts to shield citizens from such scams, awareness initiatives will be crucial. EBT cardholders have been advised to report any suspicious activity and to familiarize themselves with the identifying features of the official app, including its logo. The situation highlights a critical need for ongoing vigilance against impersonation schemes, especially as technology increasingly intertwines with public assistance programs.
via www.latimes.com