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SNAP Scam Alert: Protect your EBT card and SNAP benefits from scams. DCYF will not contact you about your EBT card by text or phone. Learn more here.

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Protect your EBT card and benefits

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Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card benefit theft is on the rise. DCYF has come up with ways to help keep EBT cardholders’ benefits safe. Please use the tips below to help protect your EBT card benefits. 

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Phone with ebtEDGE mobile app on screen

Manage your account 

  • Sign up to receive alerts for when there are changes to your EBT card account, such as PIN changes, deposits and more 
  • Do not keep a large balance in your EBT account 

There are three ways to manage your account 

Government agencies will never ask for your PIN by phone, text or email. When in doubt, contact your local county or Tribal Nation.

Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN)

  • Keep your PIN a secret
  • Change your PIN often 
  • Change your PIN before or after monthly deposits and when you get a new card 
  • Do not re-use previous PINs
  • Do not give PIN information to anyone 
  • Do not write your PIN on your EBT card 
  • Do not let anyone see your PIN when it is entered it at the POS machine or ATM. 

Watch out for skimming devices

Skimming is a type of fraud where bad actors place a hidden device—called a skimmer—on a card reader to steal information from an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card when a cardholder slides or inserts their card into the card reader. Skimmers can also be concealed inside a card reader, making them completely invisible.

Use these tips to protect yourself from skimming:

  • Inspect card readers before using them for signs of tampering
  • Cover the keypad when entering your PIN
  • Monitor your account regularly for unauthorized transactions from the ebtEDGE mobile app or webpage
  • Report suspicious activity immediately.

If something doesn’t look right, trust your instincts and use a different payment terminal. If you think your card was compromised, replace your card and change your PIN at ebtedge.com, the mobile app, or with ebtEDGE Customer Service.

Phishing Text Message Examples

Be careful of phone calls, texts or emails asking for your information 

One of the most common ways bad actors steal benefits is by "phishing". Phishing is when bad actors trick cardholders into sharing their EBT information, such as their card number and PIN.

What to do if your EBT benefits are stolen

If you notice unauthorized transactions or suspect someone has accessed your EBT account, act quickly to help protect your remaining benefits. Use the ebtEDGE mobile app or visit ebtedge.com to monitor transactions, change your PIN, and block online and out-of-state transactions. 

If you think your card is compromised, take action right away:

  • Freeze your card to prevent additional unauthorized purchases
  • Report suspicious transactions immediately so the issue can be investigated as soon as possible
  • Contact ebtEDGE Customer Service right away to report the theft, secure your account, and receive guidance on next steps.

Stolen benefits cannot be replaced, so it’s extra important to regularly check your account activity and keep your PIN secure. If you think your card was compromised, replace your card and change your PIN at ebtedge.com, the mobile app, or with ebtEDGE Customer Service.