How Do I Report EBT Card Theft or Fraud?

How to Report EBT Card Theft or Fraud

Losing your EBT benefits to theft or fraud can be scary. It leaves you wondering how you’ll feed your family until the next month’s benefits come in. But don’t worry – there are steps you can take to get your benefits replaced and report the crime. This article will walk you through exactly what to do.

What is EBT Card Theft and Fraud?

EBT card theft is when someone takes your EBT card without your permission and uses it to purchase food or get cash benefits. EBT card fraud is when someone gets ahold of your card information and makes fake cards with it. They use the fake cards to steal your benefits. This is called “cloning” your card.

Thieves use little devices called “skimmers” to copy the information off the magnetic stripe on your card. They attach skimmers to ATMs, gas station pumps, and point-of-sale machines at stores. When you use your EBT card, it swipes through the skimmer and gives all your card data to the criminals. Then they make cloned cards and go on shopping sprees with your benefits.

Card cloning has become a big problem across the U.S. Thieves have stolen millions in EBT benefits. Victims are often low-income families who desperately need that money to eat. Thankfully, there are laws to protect SNAP recipients from fraud. But you have to report it quickly to get your benefits replaced.

How to Tell if You’re a Victim of EBT Theft

Here are some signs your EBT benefits may have been stolen:

• You notice purchases on your EBT account you didn’t make
• Your card suddenly stops working
• You try to use your EBT card but it gets declined
• You check your balance and it’s lower than expected

Some other clues: You find unfamiliar charges at stores you don’t shop at, in different cities or states. The thief may make small purchases to avoid getting caught. Or they may try to take out the entire balance in one big purchase.

Make sure to check your EBT account regularly online or through the mobile app. Watch for any suspicious charges. Report anything unfamiliar right away.

How to Report EBT Card Theft or Fraud

If you notice unauthorized charges on your EBT account, here’s exactly what to do:

1. Call the EBT service number on the back of your card and report the charges. Ask them to cancel your current card and issue you a new one.
2. Call your local SNAP office to report the stolen benefits. Ask them to block the thief from using your benefits.
3. File a police report for the theft. Give copies to SNAP and EBT. The police report can help you get replacement benefits.
4. Change your EBT card PIN to protect your account.
5. Check your EBT transaction history for more unauthorized charges.

It’s crucial to report the theft within 10 days. This increases your chance of getting your stolen benefits replaced. The sooner you report, the better.

If you report within 10 days, SNAP can reimburse any stolen funds. But if you wait too long, that money may be gone for good. So check your account often and report ASAP.

How to Get Your Stolen Benefits Replaced

Here are the steps to take to get your stolen EBT funds replaced:

1. File a SNAP fraud report with your state. Do this ASAP, within 10 days of the theft.
2. Submit a copy of your police report. This helps prove criminal fraud occurred.
3. Provide any records showing unauthorized charges, if you have them.
4. Confirm your identity and that you’re the valid EBT cardholder.
5. Cooperate fully with the investigation. Answer any questions from SNAP or investigators.

SNAP will review your fraud report and evidence. If approved, they will reimburse your stolen benefits. There may be a short gap before you get new funds added to your EBT card. So ask SNAP about emergency benefits or food banks if you need help.

Protect Yourself from Future EBT Card Fraud

Once you’ve reported the theft, take steps to avoid becoming a victim again:

• Change your PIN – Pick a random number that’s hard to guess.
• Check your balance – Log in online often to watch for unauthorized charges.
• Use trusted ATMs – Avoid ATMs that look tampered with. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
• Pay inside – Don’t use your EBT card at gas pumps where skimmers are common.
• Review receipts – Check that the purchase amount is correct.
• Destroy old cards – Cut up expired or canceled cards so they can’t be reused.

Also, never give your EBT card number or PIN over the phone or text. And watch out for phishing scams – delete any suspicious emails or texts requesting your EBT account information.

Being cautious can help prevent you from becoming a victim. But if your benefits do get stolen again, make sure to report it right away.

Reporting Fraud Helps SNAP Improve Security

When you report EBT theft, you’re not just helping yourself. You’re helping SNAP identify vulnerabilities and improve security for all users. The more fraud reports they receive, the better they can target solutions.

For example, your report might alert SNAP that a certain ATM or retailer is compromised by skimmers. They can take steps to address security flaws and prevent future fraud.

So even if reporting feels like a hassle, know that you’re making the system better for other EBT recipients. You’re helping SNAP catch criminals who are stealing precious food money from families in need.

Don’t Feel Embarrassed or Ashamed

If you’ve been a victim of EBT fraud, don’t blame yourself! These thieves use very sophisticated tactics. Card skimming and cloning can happen to anyone – it’s not your fault.

The criminals are the bad guys here, not you. So don’t be afraid or embarrassed to report the theft. And don’t let it stop you from continuing to use this benefit that helps feed your family.

Lots of SNAP recipients are victimized by card skimming schemes these days. By reporting it, you’re joining others in fighting back against EBT fraud. Together, hopefully we can eventually stop these scams in their tracks.

Beware of EBT Card Scams

Criminals are always coming up with sneaky new ways to try to steal your benefits. Here are some common EBT card and SNAP scams to watch out for:

• Skimming devices – Thieves place these on ATMs or point-of-sale machines to steal card data.
• Phishing scams – You get a text or email asking for account info to “reactivate your card.” It’s fake!
• Fake customer service numbers – Scammers pretend to be EBT reps to try to get your PIN.
• EBT card exchanges – Scammers offer cash or prizes in exchange for taking photos of your card.

Protect yourself by never giving out your EBT account information. Only call the number on the back of your card. And remember, no government agency will ask for your PIN!

Get Help from SNAP

Dealing with EBT card theft or fraud can be upsetting and confusing. But don’t worry – your state’s SNAP agency is there to help! Reach out to them with any questions or for assistance reporting and recovering from fraud.

You can find your local SNAP contact information here: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory

SNAP wants to help you keep your benefits secure. They will walk you through the fraud reporting process and make sure you get the EBT card theft help you need.