Stop EBT Scams With This Simple 30-Second Trick

Imagine this: You wake up on the day your SNAP benefits are deposited, grab your phone to check your EBT balance, and instead of the funds you rely on, you see a zero balance. Your benefits have been drained by EBT scams, even though you haven’t lost your card or shared your PIN.

Over $70 million in EBT benefits have been stolen in recent years, affecting countless individuals who depend on these funds to feed their families. Every day, people discover their accounts emptied without warning, and for most, that money is gone for good.​

To protect yourself from these EBT scams, it’s crucial to understand how they operate and what steps you can take to safeguard your benefits.​

How EBT Scams Work

There are three main EBT scams that have been appearing across the United States. If you aren’t careful, these scammers can use your benefits and you may not be able to get them replaced.

It’s not just as easy as keeping track of your card, either. Thieves have developed sophisticated methods to steal EBT benefits without ever touching your actual, physical EBT card.

Let’s review the three primary tactics they’re using right now:

• Skimming Devices: Criminals attach small, discreet skimming devices to legitimate card readers at places like grocery stores and gas stations. They can even install them on ATMs. The devices are small and hard to see. When you swipe your card and enter your PIN, these devices capture your information, allowing thieves to create duplicate cards and drain your account. This is the most common of all EBT scams right now.
• Phishing Scams: Scammers send fake text messages, emails, or make phone calls pretending to be from official agencies. They claim there’s an issue with your EBT account and ask for your card number and PIN to protect your account. Once provided, they can access your benefits.
• Enrollment & Extra Benefit Scams: Scammers pose as “SNAP application helpers” and steal your personal information by offering fake sign-up services. They often post links to social media promising extra benefits or bonuses if you sign up through their link. These links are just designed to trick you into giving away your personal information.

A scammer does not need to physically see or touch your card in order to steal your EBT benefits. Once the criminals have your info, they duplicate your card and drain your benefits before you even know what happened.

How to Keep Your Benefits Safe

So how can you protect yourself? That’s the most important question. Federal law does not offer protection for SNAP benefits lost to fraud. Some states may replace them, but many will not. The funds you lose to a scammer may be lost forever.

Here are some tricks you can use to keep your benefits safe:

• The 30 Second Trick: It is the official recommendation of Low Income Relief that all EBT users should freeze their benefits between transactions and change their PIN just before unlocking their cards each time. This provides maximum protection for your benefits and takes just 30 seconds to complete.
• Lock your card when you’re not using it. Many states now let you freeze or unfreeze your EBT benefits through an app like EBT Edge or phone call. This allows you to lock your card when you’re not shopping. Even if scammers steal your info, they can’t use it. It only takes 30 seconds, but this can save your benefits.
• Change your PIN regularly. Your PIN is your best line of defense against EBT scams. If they get your card number but don’t have your PIN, they still can’t access your funds. Change your PIN at least once a month (or weekly if you use your card often). I recommend changing your PIN immediately before unfreezing your card each time.
• Don’t leave balances on your card. If you leave a balance on your card, it’s easier for scammers to take it. If you keep your balance low, there’s less risk.
• Check for skimming devices before swiping your card. Skimming devices are small and blend in with real card readers, making them hard to spot. However, you can look for unusual attachments, bulkier parts or extra pieces. Wiggle the card reader to see if anything feels loose or moves unexpectedly. If your store uses tamper-evident stickers, make sure that they are not broken or missing. If something looks weird, don’t swipe your card – it’s not worth the risk!
• Watch out for fake EBT texts and phone calls. Scammers often impersonate government agencies or customer service representatives to steal your information. Don’t respond to messages that say your card is locked or phone calls that ask for your card number or PIN to verify your account. Be very suspicious of any urgent messages you receive. Always call the phone number on the back of your card with any questions.

What Victim of EBT Scams Need to Do

Unfortunately, funds lost to EBT scams are rarely refunded—but you should still report theft immediately to prevent further loss.

• Report the fraud to your state’s EBT office.
• Change your PIN immediately to stop thieves from using your card again.
• Monitor your balance for any additional suspicious activity.

Some states are considering new protections to refund stolen benefits, so always report fraud, even if you don’t get reimbursed.

Relief Recap

EBT scammers are getting smarter, but you can outsmart them by taking a few simple steps. It is our recommendation that all EBT users freeze their account and change their PIN between each transaction for maximum protection. Your EBT benefits are yours, and you deserve to keep them. Stay informed, stay cautious, and stay protected.

Have you ever encountered an EBT scam? Share your experience below—your story might help someone else stay safe!