Imagine checking your EBT card balance, only to find your SNAP benefits have vanished overnight. Sadly, this is the new reality for thousands of low-income families across the country who are falling victim to sophisticated SNAP scams. From card skimming and phishing to spoofed text messages and cloned cards, scammers are targeting Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) users — and for many, the result is an empty account and no groceries for the month.
If your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were stolen, here’s what you need to know — including how to report the theft, where to get help, and how to protect your card from future fraud.
How SNAP Benefit Scams Happen
SNAP scams are becoming increasingly high-tech. Criminals are stealing benefits through:
-
Card skimming devices placed on ATMs or card readers at grocery stores
-
Cloned cards that copy your EBT information
-
Fake texts, emails, or calls that trick users into giving away PINs and personal details
-
Public Wi-Fi breaches that capture login info from unsecured devices
Once they have your data, scammers drain the funds almost instantly, often transferring them to cloned cards in another state.
What to Do If Your SNAP Benefits Are Stolen
If you believe your EBT card has been hacked or your benefits stolen, take these steps immediately:
-
Report the theft to your state’s SNAP office. Each state has its own fraud reporting hotline or website. Do this as soon as possible — ideally within 10 days of the theft.
-
Request a replacement EBT card. Your current card and PIN will be disabled, and a new one will be issued.
-
File a fraud report. Some states may require a written affidavit or signed report confirming the loss.
-
Check if you qualify for reimbursement. Thanks to a change in federal rules, states are now allowed to replace stolen SNAP benefits for fraud that occurred on or after October 1, 2022. However, policies vary by state, and not all losses are covered.
Emergency Resources While You Wait
If your SNAP funds are gone and you can’t buy food, here are options to seek emergency assistance:
-
Food banks and pantries: Use Feeding America to locate one near you.
-
WIC program: If you have young children, you may qualify for temporary support through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
-
211 Hotline: Dial 2-1-1 in any state for a free referral to local food assistance programs, shelters, and crisis services.
Some states also offer emergency SNAP allotments in special hardship situations.
How to Protect Your EBT Card from Future Fraud
To keep your benefits safe:
-
Regularly change your EBT PIN
-
Avoid using public Wi-Fi when checking your balance
-
Shield your PIN when entering it in public
-
Never share your card number or PIN over text, phone, or email
-
Inspect card readers at checkout for suspicious devices or loose parts
Also, monitor your balance daily using your state’s EBT app or customer service line.
Bottom Line
SNAP scams are on the rise, and unfortunately, benefits can disappear in seconds. But victims aren’t powerless. If you act quickly — report the theft, replace your card, and follow your state’s procedures — you may be able to recover your lost benefits and get help in the meantime.
