There are some tools that are indispensable. SNAP is one of them. This program, intended to help those in greatest need, provides thousands of families with access to basic food via EBT cards.
However, the security of these cards is jeopardized by an increasingly common practice: the use of skimmers to steal information. It’s a problem that not only hurts beneficiaries’ wallets but also erodes trust in a system designed to help.
Have you ever observed a card reader in a store? It appears to be harmless, right? That’s where scammers put these devices, known as skimmers. They are small devices that copy the information from your EBT card’s magnetic strip when you swipe it.
What are skimmers and how do they work to steal from SNAP
The problem does not end there. Often, these criminals use hidden cameras or phishing techniques to obtain your PIN. Once they have that information, they can clone the card and deplete your benefits in an instant.
What is the worst part? You might not even notice until you try to make a purchase and discover that your balance is depleted.
This isn’t an isolated incident; it’s becoming more common. In New York, for example, residents of an elderly center in Queens were the victims of a massive theft. It was right before Christmas in December 2024.
The thieves used skimmers on payment terminals in local stores, leaving the victims without money for the holidays.
Another striking case occurred in Georgia. A mother loaded $400 on her EBT card. When I tried to use it again, there were only 23 cents left. Can you imagine the frustration? These stories are all too common, and the families behind them rely on these benefits to feed their children.
How you can protect your card
The good news is that not all is lost. There are steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim.
- Check the card reader: Before swiping your card, look at the terminal. If something seems odd, like a loose keypad or pieces that don’t fit properly, don’t use it. Inform store personnel.
- Cover the keypad when entering your PIN: It may seem like a small gesture, but it prevents hidden cameras from capturing your code. Also, change it regularly.
- Use apps to monitor your balance: Tools like ebtEDGE or ConnectEBT allow you to track your transactions. If you notice something strange, you can act quickly.
- Don’t trust suspicious messages or calls: Official agencies will never ask for your personal information this way. If someone does, it’s a scam attempt.
What to do if you’ve been robbed
If you discover that your benefits have ended, don’t waste time:
- Call customer service: The number is on the back of your card. Report the theft and request a new one.
- Write down all the information: Date, time, location of unauthorized transactions… Anything that could help with the investigation.
- Contact your local assistance office: Inform them of the incident so they can help you and be aware of what happened.
What authorities are doing
Some states, including California and Oklahoma, are already developing more secure solutions. One of the most promising developments is the use of EMV chip EBT cards. These cards are much more difficult to clone than magnetic strip cards and could be available by 2025.
Furthermore, educational campaigns are underway to teach beneficiaries how to detect potential fraud and safeguard their cards. These initiatives seek to protect more families from the consequences of these crimes.
It’s not just money, it’s trust
When your SNAP benefits are stolen, you lose more than just money. You lose your peace of mind. These aids are intended to help those in greatest need, and it is heartbreaking to see someone take advantage of them.
That is why protecting your benefits requires more than just caution. It’s a way to protect your assets and ensure your ability to move forward. Because, at the end of the day, what matters most is that these benefits reach those in greatest need. Stay vigilant. Protect what you own.
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