Georgia EBT call center down after Conduent cyberattack

Call center expected to reboot Aug. 5; cardholders urged to lock cards and change PINs

August 4, 2025

41NBC Web Producer,

Connect Ebt — DHS encourages all EBT cardholders to download the ConnectEBT app on their Android or Apple device and to lock their EBT card between purchases and select the “lock my card everywhere” function to deny all in-state, out-of-state, and online transactions.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)— Georgia’s Department of Human Services (DHS) says a cyberattack on Conduent’s Interactive Voice Response (IVR) call center has disrupted services for EBT cardholders across the state.

It happened Monday, July 28, and caused an ongoing outage of the phone system that allows users to check their card balance, status, and other account details. Conduent is continuing its investigation, with a system reboot planned for Aug. 5.

DHS says a targeted group of cardholders may have their cards locked prior to receiving monthly benefits due to suspicious activity detected through the IVR system. Affected users will need to unlock their cards before making purchases.

Lock your card, protect your benefits

To safeguard accounts, DHS encourages all cardholders to download the ConnectEBT app on Android or Apple devices and activate the “lock my card everywhere” setting. This blocks all in-state, out-of-state, and online transactions until manually unlocked.

Users can create a new account or log in using credentials from the ConnectEBT client website. Those needing assistance may call Conduent customer service at 1-888-421-3281.

DHS urges vigilance

To protect personal information and benefits, DHS issued the following security tips:

Change your PIN regularly, especially before each scheduled benefit deposit.
Avoid using easy-to-guess PINs like birthdays or repeating digits.
Change your PIN after every online purchase made with your EBT card.
Review your EBT account often and report suspicious activity to DHS’s Office of Inspector General at inspectorgeneralhotline@dhs.ga.gov or 877-423-4746.
Never share your EBT number or PIN via phone, text, or email—even if it appears to come from an official source.

DHS says that it will never ask cardholders to share their PIN. Cardholders are also advised not to write down or store their PIN with the card, or share it with any store or agency.