> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://justabouts.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How to protect your Washington EBT card from theft - URL: https://justabouts.com/washington-ebt-card-security-freeze-block-purchases-guide/ - Published: 2026-11-13T02:08:39.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-13T02:08:39.000Z - Description: How to freeze your Quest card, block online or out-of-state purchases, spot suspicious messages and get help if benefits are stolen. - Author: Justabouts - Tags: Help & Resources, Snohomish County, Camano Island, #share-FB-image-hashashtags, #share-IG-title, All communities Your Washington Quest EBT card helps pay for groceries and, for some households, other essentials. It also has security settings worth knowing before your next shopping trip: you can temporarily freeze the card or block certain kinds of purchases through ebtEDGE. **If your card is missing or you spot a purchase you did not make, call EBT Customer Service at 888-328-9271 promptly.** Ask to have a compromised card deactivated and replaced. Setting up security controls can come after that immediate report. ## Two tools that do different jobs A freeze temporarily stops the card from being used. Separate transaction restrictions let you block internet purchases, out-of-state purchases or both. The [Department of Social and Health Services recommends these protections](https://www.dshs.wa.gov/family-food-and-housing-services/community-services-offices/services-we-offer/ebt-and-eft-make-getting-benefits-easier?page=4&ref=justabouts.com); cardholders can turn them on and off as needed. Freezing also stops your own purchases until you lift it. DSHS says a frozen card cannot be used for food or cash purchases, cash withdrawals, balance inquiries or PIN changes. A freeze applies to online and in-store transactions. ## How to freeze, shop and freeze again DSHS’s [security brochure, revised June 2026](https://www.dshs.wa.gov/media/389/download?inline=&ref=justabouts.com), gives these steps: 1. Sign in through [FIS’s official ebtEDGE page](https://www.fisglobal.com/ebtedgemobile?ref=justabouts.com), which links to the current cardholder website and app. 2. Open your account summary, choose **Freeze Card** under account services and confirm. 3. Before paying, choose **Unfreeze Card** and confirm. Freeze it again after shopping. ## Block online or out-of-state purchases In account services, select **Protect My Account**. Turn on **Block Internet Transactions**, **Block Out-of-State Transactions** or both, then save. Return to the same screen, turn the relevant restriction off and save when you need that type of purchase. If you plan to pay for groceries online, check the internet setting before ordering. If you are travelling, check the out-of-state setting. Washington’s [Quest card is accepted nationwide at participating retailers](https://www.dshs.wa.gov/family-food-and-housing-services/community-services-offices/services-we-offer/ebt-and-eft-make-getting-benefits-easier?page=2&ref=justabouts.com), but a restriction you enabled can prevent a purchase. ## Start with the official website or app You can use the website without downloading an app. For a phone, follow the download link on [DSHS’s approved-app page](https://www.dshs.wa.gov/family-food-and-housing-services/community-services-offices/services-we-offer/ebt-and-eft-make-getting-benefits-easier?page=1&ref=justabouts.com). It leads to [FIS’s ebtEDGE page](https://www.fisglobal.com/ebtedgemobile?ref=justabouts.com), with links to Apple’s App Store and Google Play. The app also lets you review transactions and manage your card. FIS is introducing a new ebtEDGE experience in stages, so follow the official site’s prompts if your screen looks different. If a payment fails, check whether you left the card frozen or a relevant purchase category blocked before assuming your benefits have disappeared. ## Keep your PIN private and check messages carefully A skimmer can copy card information at a payment terminal. A thief may then use a duplicate card while you still have yours. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN, choose a number that is difficult to guess and review your account for unfamiliar transactions. Before swiping, look for loose or mismatched parts attached to the card reader or keypad. If someone learns your PIN, change it promptly. [DSHS says it will not request your EBT card number or account information by text.](https://www.dshs.wa.gov/administrations-and-offices/dshs-administrations/economic-services-administration/latest-news?ref=justabouts.com) It does send some genuine reminders, so a message alone does not tell you whether it is legitimate. Check the agency’s [text-message information](https://www.dshs.wa.gov/text-messages-dshs?ref=justabouts.com) or call DSHS at **877-501-2233** using the published number. ## If benefits have already been taken Report the compromised card, choose a new PIN and tell DSHS about the loss. Keep the transaction dates, amounts and any suspicious messages so you can explain what happened. DSHS also advises reporting suspected theft to law enforcement. Replacing the plastic card does not automatically replace money already spent. As of Nov. 12, 2026, [DSHS says it cannot replace food or cash benefits stolen through skimming, cloning or similar methods after Dec. 20, 2024](https://www.dshs.wa.gov/administrations-and-offices/dshs-administrations/economic-services-administration/latest-news?ref=justabouts.com). The earlier replacement program had a final claim deadline of Sept. 19, 2025. [Washington’s replacement rule](https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=388-412-0040&ref=justabouts.com) generally excludes losses involving a physical card that was lost, stolen or misplaced. It preserves a specific exception for a card stolen in the mail before you ever had the ability to use the benefits. If that describes your situation, tell DSHS and ask it to assess the loss under that provision. The rule also gives you the right to an administrative hearing if a replacement request is denied; ask DSHS for the hearing instructions and applicable deadline. ## Where to get help For card problems, use **888-328-9271**. For help with your DSHS case or checking a suspicious agency contact, use **877-501-2233**. The [DSHS office finder](https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-locations?ref=justabouts.com) lists Community Services Offices, including Smokey Point, Everett and Oak Harbor; check the office’s services and hours before travelling. For applications, renewals and work-rule questions, see our separate [Washington Basic Food guide](https://justabouts.com/basic-food-washington-applying-renewing-work-rules-guide/). *Information checked Nov. 12, 2026, against DSHS guidance, its current security brochure and Washington’s benefit-replacement rule.*