SNAP Benefits California: Change Your EBT Card PIN Now to Avoid Food Stamp Fraud, Scams

SNAP benefits have been subjected to several scams and have been a target of fraud for years.

Authorities have repeatedly issued warnings to SNAP benefits recipients to be extremely cautious and be observant for the widespread scams at the moment.

Head of services GTM at cybersecurity company ExtraHop, Rafal Los, said that the digitization of financial services brings both a benefit to recipients but also "creates an opportunity for criminals."

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is the largest federal nutrition assistance program, proving benefits to eligible low-income individuals and households through the Electronic Benefits Transfer card.

Several states have been experiencing SNAP benefits scams, with the Connecticut Department of Social Services warning in August that residents who receive SNAP and/or cash SNAP benefits should protect their card from skimming scams.

Some retail and grocery stores around Connecticut had been affected by this type of SNAP benefits scam.

The state of Massachusetts noted that skimming can occur "anywhere you swipe your EBT card."

Phishing can also happen, with Federal Trade Commission noting that phishing scams are on the rise nationwide.

The most common phishing scam begins with a phone call, text, or email, according to TruWest Credit Union chief information officer, Chris Kearney.

SNAP Benefits Fraud in California

In California, EBT card frauds are also increasing, with a growing number of cyber criminals targeting the EBT system.

The frequency of benefits reported stolen has increased by around 4,000% since 2021, as reported by CBS News.

The California Department of Social Services noted that the state paid around $92,000 in fraud claims by July 2021.

In the same period in 2022, the state of California paid out around $3.8 million to victims of EBT fraud.

As a result, California lost around $24 million in just a 12-month time period.

Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office charged 16 people in September for their participation in a fraud scheme.

Officials also seized more than 300 cloned EBT cards that contained $400,000 in funds. The people charged used skimming devices to steal the majority of that money from EBT users.

California intends to pay back all fraud claims. However, if a second claim is submitted within 3 years, they may not reimburse the lost funds.

The Southern California High Tech Task Force worked with the California Department of Social Services, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, and Bank of America's Global Protective Services Team among others.

Change EBT Card PIN

Skimming is just one of the many ways cybercriminals can steal recipients' SNAP benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said criminals are posing as SNAP caseworkers in an attempt to obtain recipients' EBT card information.

The Agriculture Department also offered tips to SNAP benefits beneficiaries to protect themselves from SNAP benefits scams.

The agency noted that recipients should not share their PIN with anyone outside their household and cover the keypad when they enter their PIN on a machine.

In addition, beneficiaries should change their PIN frequently and observe their EBT accounts if there are unauthorized charges.

Before doing transactions, beneficiaries should double-check card reading machines to see if there is anything suspicious overlaid or attached to the card swiper or the keypad.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Investigating SNAP fraud; hackers target people using food stamps - from CBS Chicago