Millions of low-income older Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help them put healthy food on their table. Without SNAP assistance, many of these individuals are forced to skip meals or choose between food and other basic life expenses.

Unfortunately, that didn't stop three Detroit residents from allegedly robbing 8,000 unsuspecting beneficiaries of $4 million in SNAP benefits—by stealing their electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card information. A similar scheme took place in Dixon, Illinois, when 2,800 Walmart shoppers lost their SNAP benefits through EBT card data theft.

What is an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card?

An EBT card functions much like a prepaid debit card. Each month, your SNAP benefit amount is automatically deposited onto your card balance. You can use your card at any retailer or farmer's market that accepts SNAP to buy eligible food items. Members of your household can use your EBT card, too, as long as they know your secret PIN (Personal Identification Number).

Just as cybercriminals can steal credit card and debit card information, they can steal EBT card numbers. One common way to do this is EBT card skimming.

What is EBT card skimming?

"With skimming, thieves place a device on a store's card-swiping machine located at the checkout," said Brandy Bauer, former Director of NCOA's MIPPA (Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act) Resource Center. "When you swipe your card to pay for your items, this device pulls your card number and PIN number. That information is used to create a replica card that can then be used to access your SNAP benefits."

Why is card skimming on the rise? One reason is that state-issued EBT cards are generally not as secure as debit cards and credit cards, which often have “smart chip” technology built in. Smart chips are an added measure of security that deters thieves by making it more difficult to clone cards.

Card skimming isn’t the only way criminals can steal your SNAP EBT account information. In a scheme called phishing, thieves reach out via phone and text message to try to get you to share your card number or PIN.

Can I get my stolen SNAP benefits back?

In the past, recipients who had their SNAP benefits stolen were not likely to recover them. This is because the law did not allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reimburse individual states for stolen EBT funds.

However, in late 2022, President Biden signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which includes protections for EBT theft. Pending submission and approval of a plan to prevent EBT fraud, states can now seek reimbursement for certain EBT fraud losses through September 30, 2024.

How can I protect my SNAP benefits?

Thieves will always be looking for opportunities to steal. But there are steps you can take to keep your SNAP EBT card secure:

• Do not share your EBT card number or PIN: Keep them a secret from everyone besides the people in your household (your local SNAP office will never call or text you to request this information). Do not write your four-digit PIN code on the card sleeve. Other safety measures include:
  • Covering the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN at a store checkout.
  • Changing your PIN frequently (at least once per month).
  • Avoiding easy-to-guess PINs (e.g., “1234”).
• Check card readers before using: Card skimming devices can be hard to spot, but there are some telltale signs. Look for an overlay that's larger than the original machine and hides certain parts of the screen or keypad. Also, check for alignment issues or suspicious-looking attachments that seem like they don't belong.
• Monitor your account: It's a smart idea to log into your EBT/SNAP account regularly. Look for charges or activity you don't recognize.

What if I think my SNAP benefits were stolen?

EBT card skimming and other types of SNAP fraud can happen despite our best efforts. If you believe your card information was stolen, contact your state's EBT customer service hotline right away. This number can usually be found on the back of your card, or you can search for it online by state.

Ask if your state covers stolen SNAP benefits and what their refund policy is. Each state has its own requirements for reporting theft. You may be asked to file a police report with local law enforcement. The USDA also offers a place to report SNAP fraud by state on its website.

What if I lost my EBT card?

If you misplaced your SNAP EBT card, or you think someone might have stolen it, call EBT customer service and tell them what happened. They will ask you to verify your identity. In some cases, you may need to fill out a form requesting a new card and/or pay a processing fee. All states have different requirements for ordering a replacement EBT card.

Once you've confirmed who you are and submitted any required paperwork, your replacement card will be produced and mailed out to you.

When you receive your new EBT card in the mail, you'll need to activate it. This is usually done by calling a toll-free number and entering your card information and other details. Once it’s activated, your EBT card is all set to use.

Wondering if you qualify for SNAP?

Even if you’ve never received food assistance before, you may qualify to receive SNAP benefits. Carol G., age 70, was living on a limited income, unable to buy fresh fruits and vegetables for her weekly meals. This made it difficult to keep her diabetes under control.

Carol contacted one of our Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs) and a representative helped her complete a SNAP application. To Carol’s delight, she was awarded $139 in benefits per month.

I’m so grateful,” Carol told us. “Now I can make healthier food choices and live a healthier life.”

To learn more about SNAP—and to browse other money-saving benefits programs you may qualify for—go to NCOA's BenefitsCheckUp.org now and enter your ZIP code. It’s fast, easy, and free!