There are aids that are indispensable. SNAP is one of them. This program, designed to support those who need it most, allows thousands of families to access basic food through EBT cards. However, the security of these cards is at risk due to a practice that has become alarmingly common: the use of skimmers to steal information. It’s a problem that not only affects the wallets of beneficiaries but also undermines trust in a system designed to help.
Have you ever stopped to observe a card reader in a store? It seems harmless, right? Well, that’s where scammers place these devices, known as skimmers. They are small gadgets that copy the information from the magnetic strip of your EBT card when you swipe it.
What are skimmers and how do they work to steal from SNAP
The problem doesn’t end there. Often, these criminals place hidden cameras or use phishing techniques to obtain your PIN. Once they have that information, they can clone the card and empty your benefits in the blink of an eye. The worst part? You may not even notice until you try to make a purchase and discover that your balance is gone.
This isn’t something that happens once in a while; it’s becoming a regular issue. In New York, for example, at an elderly center in Queens, residents were victims of a massive theft. It was just before Christmas, in December 2024. The thieves used skimmers on payment terminals in local stores and left these people without money for the holidays.
Another striking case occurred in Georgia. A mother loaded $400 onto her EBT card. Shortly after, when trying to use it, only 23 cents remained. Can you imagine the frustration? These types of stories are all too common, and behind each one are families who depend on these benefits to feed their children.
How you can protect your card
The good news is that not everything is lost. There are measures you can take to avoid becoming another 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 are gone, 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, like California and Oklahoma, are already working on more secure solutions. One of the most promising is the introduction of EMV chip EBT cards. These cards are much harder to clone than magnetic strip cards and could be available in 2025.
Additionally, educational campaigns are underway to teach beneficiaries how to identify potential fraud and protect their cards. These initiatives aim to prevent more families from suffering the consequences of these crimes.
It’s not just money, it’s trust
When your SNAP benefits are stolen, you don’t just lose money. You lose peace of mind. These aids are designed to support those who need it most, and for someone to take advantage of that is devastating.
That’s why protecting your benefits isn’t just a matter of caution. It’s a way to safeguard what belongs to you and ensure you can move forward. Because at the end of the day, the most important thing is that these benefits reach those who truly need them. Stay alert. Protect what’s yours.