How Scammers Are Draining SNAP Benefits Using Skimmers: What You Need to Know

Essential items to fulfill the provision of food needs in any area where poor families cannot make ends meet are SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). But EBT cards (Electronic Benefit Transfer) are the only way used to enable this benefit, and it is subject to illegalities. Particularly, scammers are using skimmers to steal the information from these swiped cards, and the beneficiaries’ accounts are being emptied by scammers. It jeopardizes the finances and, along with it, the system’s trust among the masses.

How do skimmers work?

Did you ever look closely at the card reader in a shop? This equipment is supposed to be unassuming, but within those skimmers—these devices. When you swipe your card, these devices steal all the information. According to sources, criminals use tiny cameras or get the information by other means, while some resort to techniques like phishing to get your PIN.

They can also clone your card with this information and empty your amount in just a matter of minutes.

True Cases: Rising Risk of Theft Activities

This practice has increased and exists in many forms. In a story of such incidence, in December 2024, a number of aged people’s accounts in a senior center in Queens, New York, were fraudulently emptied by skimming. It occurred before an impending Christmas and rendered the festive celebrations desolate for numerous aged people.

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Another one comes from Georgia, where a mother put her EBT card with $400 in loaded value. After a while, when she tried to check its worth, she found just 23 cents in her account. It must be very annoying.

What you should know about skimming:

While it is a frustrating problem, you can also take some precautions to protect yourself:

• Examine the card reader: View the terminal properly before swiping your card. If there is something unusual, like a loose keyboard or an awkward fitting, do not use the terminal.
• Enter PIN details. sub rosa: Use your hand to shield the keyboard as you punch in your PIN. Such light measures effectively shield the number from small cams.
• Monitor Your Balance: Use an application/software such as ebtEDGE and ConnectEBT. In the end, if the balance seems amiss, ensure that you go in and address what looks like a suspicious transaction.
• Wily texts or calls should make you vigilant: Government should not be placed into extrication through telephonic or written inquiries.

What should you do if you realize someone has stolen your benefits?

If your SNAP benefits have been pilfered, immediately do the following:

• Call customer service: Dial the number at the back of your card and substantiate fraudulent activity.
• Memorize the information: Ensure you make time, record the date and time of the fraud transaction and establish the location.
• Call the local assistance office: Inform them that the incident has occurred so they can provide the necessary support to you.

The activities of officials

There are a number of states, such as California and Oklahoma, that have safe solutions under consideration. One safe solution is the issuing of EMV chip EBT cards, which will be made available to the public by 2025. They are more secure than magstripe cards.

There will also be public awareness campaigns designed to guarantee the provision of educational programs for beneficiaries and give them the capacity to identify and protect their cards from being exposed to fraudulent activities.

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It’s not about money; it’s about trust.

Stolen SNAP benefits aren’t just losing money. You lose your peace of mind; you lose trust in the system. These benefits are for people who don’t have these benefits. It isn’t just about being vigilant; it’s about making sure that they really do get to the right people.

Stay on guard and take care of your benefits. What’s more, it’s about your and your family’s safety.

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