A 23-year-old man, Bogdan Boceanu, was arrested in Kern County on March 1, 2025, for his alleged involvement in an EBT fraud scheme. Investigators seized 36 cloned EBT cards and $4,030 in cash during the sting operation.
Sting Operation Uncovers Fraudulent ATM Withdrawals
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with the California Department of Social Services EBT Fraud and Theft Detection Unit, conducted a sting operation targeting EBT skimming and fraudulent ATM withdrawals in the Delano area.
Authorities identified Boceanu making fraudulent withdrawals from an ATM and arrested him on multiple felony charges, including:
Grand theft
Fraudulent use of an access card
Identity theft
Possession of burglary tools
Counterfeiting EBT benefits
Driving without a valid license
Prior Criminal Activity and Ongoing Efforts to Reduce Fraud
Boceanu had previously been identified in an earlier theft investigation, with an outstanding warrant for burglary, attempted grand theft, and possession of a skimming device. He was booked into the Lerdo Detention Facility.
The Kern County DA’s Office reports a significant decrease in EBT fraud due to ongoing enforcement efforts. Fraud cases dropped from $386,561.50 in October 2024 to $159,008.50 in February 2025.
Authorities Urge EBT Users to Take Precautions
The Kern County Department of Human Services recommends that EBT users:
✔ Report thefts immediately through BenefitsCal.com or the EBT helpline (877-328-9677)
✔ Download and use the ebtEDGE mobile app to monitor transactions
✔ Reset PIN numbers frequently to prevent unauthorized access
District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer emphasized that protecting public resources is a top priority. She warned that authorities will continue aggressively pursuing those attempting to exploit the system.
