HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is urging all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries to take extra precautions to protect their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards from skimming. This warning comes in the wake of several reported incidents of stolen SNAP benefits in Erie and Western Pennsylvania due to card skimming devices.
Skimming involves the use of devices attached to point-of-sale (POS) machines or ATMs to read a card’s magnetic strip, gather its data, and create a cloned card. “DHS works diligently to ensure the benefits DHS administers get to the Pennsylvanians who need them, which is why we take fraud prevention so seriously. I urge Pennsylvanians to take as many precautionary steps as possible to avoid falling victim to identity theft,” said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh.
Beneficiaries are advised to inspect card readers before swiping their EBT cards. If any irregularities are noticed, such as loose or damaged parts, users should avoid the device and inform the business owner immediately. Retailers are also responsible for removing any skimming devices to protect their customers.
The FBI recommends the following precautions: inspect POS terminals, ATMs, and other card readers for any signs of tampering; pull at the edges of the keypad before entering a PIN; cover the keypad while entering a PIN to prevent camera recording; use ATMs in well-lit, indoor locations; remain vigilant in tourist areas; and avoid using debit cards linked to multiple accounts.
In the event of suspected skimming, beneficiaries should contact DHS’s EBT contractor, Conduent, at 888-328-7366 for balance inquiries and card replacements. Reporting suspected fraud to local County Assistance Offices (CAOs) is crucial for prompt action.
The Shapiro Administration announced in July 2023 that stolen SNAP benefits can be replaced. Victims should file a Benefit Theft Claim within 60 days of the incident. DHS will validate claims within 30 days and may issue replacements within 10 days if approved.
For immediate food needs, beneficiaries can call 211 or visit www.pa211.org for local food resources. Additional information is available on www.feedingpa.org and the DHS and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture websites.
The DHS fraud tip line (1-844-DHS-TIPS) and the Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) website are available for reporting skimming activities. “The Office of State Inspector General and our partners at DHS remain vigilant against these scams, and we encourage the public to do the same,” said State Inspector General Lucas M. Miller.
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