California will be the first state to equip Electronic Benefits Transfer cards with embedded microchips for additional security, significantly enhancing fraud protection for vulnerable families.
The state’s delayed rollout of enhanced EBT cards comes after a significant surge in thefts exceeding $15 million monthly from the poorest families in California.
Law enforcement ties the surge in thefts to international organized crime, illustrating the pressing need for improved security measures on EBT cards.
Many families have faced delays in receiving CalFresh and CalWORKs benefits, sometimes going hungry or accruing late fees due to the thefts.
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