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Card skimming is becoming an increasingly widespread problem across the country. “Skimming” refers to a process in which scammers install small devices designed to collect personal information from cards onto store checkout machines so they can steal funds. This issue is defrauding Americans of millions of critical food assistance dollars nationwide.
Luckily, the federal government has recognized this problem and passed legislation allowing states to replace funds to victims of stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
How to protect your benefits
If you are receiving SNAP benefits, there are precautions you can take to protect yourself against skimming. According to information from the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), here are some actions you should take:
- Avoid simple PIN numbers. Choose more complicated number patterns for your PIN. Number combinations such as 1111, 1234 or 9876 may be easy for scammers to guess. Call DSS EBT Customer Service at 1-888-328-2666 to change your current PIN.
- Keep your PIN number and card number secret. Do not share your PIN or card number with anyone outside of your household. Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN on a card reader at checkout.
- Beware of phishing. Phishing typically involves a call or text disguised as an authority figure asking for personal information or making it seem like immediate action is required. These scams can look and seem frighteningly real. Remember that DSS and EBT customer service will never call or text to ask for your PIN or card number. If you are unsure about whether a request you have received is legitimate, contact DSS EBT Customer Service at 1-888-328-2666 to verify the request before taking any action.
- Change your PIN number often. Change your PIN at least once a month, right before your benefits are added to your card. Call DSS EBT Customer Service at 1-888-328-2666 to change your current PIN.
- Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges. If you see any charges on your account that you do not recognize, change your PIN number right away to stop the thief from making new purchases and report suspicious activity to DSS.
- A new EBT card can be requested. If you feel your benefits have been stolen, or your identity has been compromised, you can request a replacement EBT card. Call DSS EBT Customer Service at 1-888-328-2666 to request a replacement card.
What to do if your benefits are stolen
If you think your benefits have been stolen, you should act as soon as you suspect fraud has occurred. According to information from the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), here are the steps you should take:
- First and foremost, change your PIN number immediately. This will ensure that the thief will not be able to make more fraudulent purchases using your account. Additionally, DSS will require you to update your PIN number before they can replace your stolen benefits. Call DSS EBT Customer Service at 1-888-328-2666 to change your current PIN.
- Within 30 days of realizing the fraud, use the DSS Replacement Benefits Application to apply for replacement benefits. According to DSS, the State of Connecticut can replace SNAP benefits that were electronically stolen, as long as you apply for replacement benefits within 30 days of realizing money was stolen. DSS can replace up to two months’ worth of stolen SNAP benefits up to two times in a federal fiscal year (October – September). APPLY HERE: www.dss-replacementbenefits.ct.gov.
- Check your mail often for a letter from DSS. Your application must be reviewed and approved by DSS before replacement benefits can be issued. DSS will send a letter in the mail within 30 calendar days of your application notifying you of whether your application has been approved or denied.
- If the letter says “Approved” – your EBT account will receive the replacement amount noted on the approval letter and no further action is required on your end.
- If the letter says “Denied” or you disagree with the replacement amount – you have the right to a Fair Hearing if you disagree with the decision and/or the amount of replacement benefits you are issued. If you think a mistake was made, you may request a hearing within 90 days of the date on the letter by calling 1-800-462-0134, or by written request faxed to (860) 424-5729 or mailed to: Department of Social Services, Office of Legal Counsel, Regulations, and Administrative Hearings, 55 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT, 06105.
- Continue to protect yourself against future skimming. Even after receiving replacement benefits, you could still be susceptible to future fraud. Be sure to use the precautions listed in the beginning of this article to continue protecting yourself from stolen benefits.
The State of Connecticut has approved hundreds of claims of stolen benefits and issued tens of thousands of dollars in replacement benefits to approved households so far. To learn more about applying for replacement benefits, visit the DSS website.
Questions about SNAP or need assistance? We can help. Contact End Hunger CT!’s SNAP Call Center at 866-974-SNAP (7627) or visit us at www.endhungerct.org/SNAP.
Feature Image by Qihao Wang on Unsplash
About us: End Hunger CT! works statewide to eliminate hunger and promote healthy nutrition through outreach, public education, and advocacy. EHC! offers SNAP assistance, nutrition program promotion, doubles SNAP at farmers’ markets, and more to help CT residents in need. To learn more about our services, click here.
Have any questions? Contact our Communications Coordinator, Kimberly Nguyen, at knguyen@endhungerct.org.
