SNAP Benefits Update: USDA Warns of Scammers Using EBT Card Skimming to Steal Your Money

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has warned the public about the SNAP benefits scam, with several fraudsters using EBT card skimming to try and steal their SNAP benefits.

Alabama News reported that the Agriculture Department has received numerous fraud reports on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, including thieves placing a device on retailers' card-swiping machines to illegally copy Electronic Benefits Transfer card information.

In August, the Department of Transitional Assistance in Massachusetts also issued a warning to residents on skimming SNAP benefits scams that have affected some of the DTA clients.

At the time, the DTA had advised its clients to ensure their EBT card before each scheduled benefit issuance date.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture encourages victims of card skimming to contact their local SNAP office, especially if they believe that their food stamps were stolen from their EBT card.

SNAP Benefits Scam

The Agriculture Department announced that the agency is aware of numerous reports of fraudsters using phony text messages to obtain EBT card numbers and PINs to steal SNAP benefits.

These are known as phishing scams and are a type of fraud. The department advises the public not to provide their EBT card numbers or PINs by phone or text.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture also encourages SNAP participants to take certain cautionary measures to prevent card skimming such as the following:

• Keep your PIN secret. The U.S. DA calls the public not to share their EBT card PIN with anyone outside their household. In addition, SNAP recipients should also cover the keypad when they are entering their PIN on a machine.
• Check EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges. It is advised to change your PIN immediately once you notice any changes in your balance. It could stop the thief from making new purchases.
• Check card machines before any transaction to ensure that there is nothing suspicious overlayed or attached to the card swiper or keypad. Agriculture Department noted that overlays can be difficult to detect, but they are often bigger than the original machine and may be hidden in parts of the machine

There are also some fraudsters using websites that mention food stamps and promise more monthly payments. These websites will take recipients to different websites, which may share your personal information in exchange for food stamps information.

There were also schemes where text messages were used for scams, referencing food stamps that offer work-at-home opportunities.

Agriculture Department warned that these are not just spam, but are likely scams.

EBT Card Skimming

The DA noted that EBT card skimming can occur to anyone who uses a credit, debit, or EBT card.

A spokesperson for the United Food Bank, Ginger John, said that to have those funds go missing "is terrible," adding that incomes are the same but all the expenses are higher, especially with the groceries.

A spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Tasya Peterson, also confirmed an increase in SNAP scams related to EBT card skimming, noting the case has also increased in Arizona, as reported by Arizona Family.

EBT card skimming incidents in Arizona are investigated by the DES Office of the Inspector General.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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