The official FIS ebtEDGE Mobile App allows users to easily view their SNAP or TANF benefits. A fraudulent app mimics the official app and attempts to charge users fees for weekly or lifetime access. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The California Department of Social Services has alerted counties to a fake mobile application that is targeting Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cardholders.

The app, called “EBT edge – food stamps,” is currently listed in the Apple iOS App Store and mimics the official FIS ebtEDGE Mobile App but is not legitimate.

The fraudulent app attempts to charge users a $4.99 weekly fee or $60 for lifetime access. California EBT cardholders should know that the state will never charge fees to access or manage their benefits.

Cardholders are strongly advised to download and use only the official, state-supported FIS ebtEDGE app to protect their benefits and personal information. (FIS stands for Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., which manages the electronic benefits transfer system for the California Department of Social Services.)

For questions or assistance, EBT cardholders can contact the customer service number on the back of their EBT card or visit ebtedge.com.