Electronic Benefit Theft and Card Skimming

According to the federal government, Ohio is one of many states being targeted by criminals stealing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Ohio Works First (OWF) cash benefits. This means your SNAP or cash assistance benefits could be stolen without you knowing. 

Forms of electronic theft include: 

Card skimming occurs when devices illegally installed on retailer’s card reader machines capture card data or record a SNAP or OWF household’s personal identification numbers (PIN).

Card cloning occurs when the data captured by skimming or other means is used to create fake electronic benefit transfer (EBT) or cash assistance cards. Those cards are used to steal from the SNAP or OWF household’s accounts. 

Scamming and phishing occur when an individual or group is targeted through fraudulent phone calls or text messaging that mimic official State Agency messaging or phishing schemes.

  • Scamming is when an individual or group is falsely convinced by someone to give their benefit and/or EBT card information to an unauthorized individual or group.
  • Phishing is a cyber-crime where attackers attempt to deceive people into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, banking, and credit card details. Some phishing emails also contain malicious or unwanted software that attackers can use to track recipients’ online activities, steal their personal data, or slow their computer. 

What can I do to protect my benefits?

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services suggests these steps for anyone using a SNAP or cash assistance card:

  • Use the lock/unlock feature on the ConnectEBT App to keep your card secure when not in use. Only unlock your card to make a purchase and lock it immediately afterwards.
  • Keep your PIN secret. Do not tell others your PIN number.
  • Change your PIN monthly the day before each scheduled benefit deposit.
  • Look at your transactions regularly to see if there are any purchases you do not recognize or did not make. You can easily view your transaction history ConnectEBT App.
  • Never share the EBT or cash card number or PIN if asked through an email, text message, or over the phone. Neither Conduent nor the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services will call or text you concerning issues with your benefit card.
  • If you receive a call or text, call the number on the back of your card to confirm if there is an issue with the account.
  • Carefully look at any card reader before using your card. Skimming devices can be placed over the card reader. Check to see if a reader sticks out or doesn’t seem secure.
  • When using your card, cover the keypad with your body or hand to stop someone from seeing your PIN. Some scammers watch from a distance to get your PIN.

What is the ConnectEBT App?

ConnectEBT is the official mobile app of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. ConnectEBT is a secure app which is connected directly to your SNAP account. You can use it to

  • check your balance
  • ·view your purchase history
  • change your PIN
  • activate a new card
  • report your card as stolen, lost or damaged
  • lock/unlock your card to protect it from unauthorized use

ConnectEBT can be downloaded for free from the Apple Store or Google Play Store. 

How do I change my PIN?

SNAP: 

Log into your online account at www.connectebt.com or using the ConnectEBT app or call 1-866-386-3071 and follow the prompts to change your PIN. 

OWF Cash Card: 

Log into your online account at www.eppicard.com or call 1-866-320-8822 and follow the prompts to change your PIN. 

What should I do if I think my benefits were stolen?

If you believe your SNAP or OWF cash benefits were stolen:

  1. Change your PIN number right away and lock your card using by using your online account or calling the appropriate line and following the prompts. You can request a new Ohio Direction EBT card by calling 1-866-386-3071 or a new Eppicard by calling 1-866-320-8822.
  2. Make a list of every unauthorized purchase on your account.
  3. Contact law enforcement and file a theft report.

Will my benefits be replaced if they are stolen?

Unfortunately, we are not able to replace electronically stolen benefits at this time.

 

Learn more about how to protect and secure your benefits

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