There’s a growing problem with scams targeting EBT cardholders, according to Shasta County Health and Human Services. The program that operates in lieu of food stamps to provide food aid to people in need has been the target of benefit theft through various methods. State officials are trying to address the problem in several ways, including improvements in card security, using transaction data to identify patterns and find perpetrators, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies. The California Department of Social Services has also launched an education campaign to teach aid recipients how to avoid being victimized by text messages, phone scams, skimming devices and fake websites. Suspected benefit theft can be reported by calling 1-877-328-9677.