Apple's retail outlet, the Apple Store, is peddling a fraudulent EBT application designed for Californians. Learn how to steer clear of this scam.
California officials are urging EBT cardholders to be vigilant against a fraudulent mobile application posing as a state-sponsored tool. The app, named 'Ebt edge - food stamps,' has been reported as a fraudulent impersonation of the official California ebtEDGE service.
As of Thursday, the app was still available for download on the Apple App Store. The non-state-sponsored app bears a similar name to the real state-sponsored mobile application 'ebtEDGE,' which was launched in November 2023 as a free tool for EBT cardholders to manage their benefits.
The fraudulent app, however, requires users to input their EBT card information and charges them $4.99 a week or $60 for lifetime access. This cost is a clear sign that it is not legitimate, as California's app is free to use.
The developer of the app, identified as Jason Gibson according to app store listings, has not responded to requests for comment. Apple did not immediately respond to The Times' request for comment on the issue.
California's Department of Social Services became aware of the non-state-sponsored app on Sept. 10 and alerted the Apple App Store of its existence. The state department has not issued any statement indicating that it charges fees for its EBT mobile app.
The state has taken action to address the issue. As of April 29, California has issued 4.4 million EBT cards, and cardholders can request a new EBT card by contacting their local county social services office. Any EBT cardholder who suspects benefits theft should contact their local county social services office or call the EBT Customer Service Line at (877) 328-9677.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is also tracking these fraudulent claims. During the first quarter of the 2025 fiscal year, California reported 80,620 fraudulent transaction claims connected to EBT cards.
It's not clear what type of content the app provides beyond benefit management services. The app's icon features a picture of a grocery cart, an EBT card, and the words 'EBT food stamps.'
California officials are reminding EBT cardholders to be cautious and only use official state-sponsored apps for managing their benefits. The state's mobile app icon features a picture of a fried egg with a black background.
In conclusion, EBT cardholders in California are advised to be vigilant against the fraudulent mobile application 'Ebt edge - food stamps.' The app is not state-sponsored and charges unnecessary fees, which is a clear sign of its illegitimacy. Cardholders should only use official state-sponsored apps for managing their benefits and should contact their local county social services office or the EBT Customer Service Line if they suspect any fraudulent activity.
