In recent months, there has been a disturbing rise in scams involving Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, used to distribute government benefits like food stamps. Victims of these scams have reported that their EBT cards are being drained of funds without their consent, and the situation has left many questioning why they aren’t being reimbursed for their losses.

What Are EBT Cards?

EBT cards are issued by state welfare departments to those eligible for benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These cards work like debit or credit cards, enabling users to purchase food and other essentials. However, similar to regular bank cards, EBT cards are susceptible to fraud and theft, especially when scammers use advanced techniques to steal card details.

How Are EBT Cards Being Stolen?

According to several viewers who contacted News 8, EBT cardholders have discovered that their funds were stolen, often drained shortly after new benefits were deposited into their accounts. Victims have shared that their cards were used for purchases at various stores, sometimes within hours after the funds were deposited, indicating that the theft is happening almost instantly.

One victim, Nikki Gladfelter, from Stewartstown, shared her experience, saying, “I don’t know how it happened, but somebody got my information either from me using it or having it linked online, and they stole all my food stamps for the month.” Unfortunately, the theft seems to be facilitated through devices known as “skimmers.” These devices can be placed on card readers or ATMs to capture sensitive card information from the magnetic stripe. Once captured, thieves can use the information to access the victim’s funds.

Can Victims Get Their Money Back?

In a disappointing turn of events, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has stated that they cannot offer reimbursement for stolen EBT funds. According to the department, benefits stolen after December 20, 2024, are not covered under the previous law that allowed Congress to reimburse stolen benefits. In 2022, Congress had passed a law to protect SNAP benefits against theft by skimming, which expired on December 20, 2024.

Unfortunately, the new American Relief Act of 2025 does not extend this protection, leaving many EBT cardholders without recourse if their funds are stolen after this cutoff date. News 8’s investigation reveals that while victims can request a new replacement card, the money that was stolen will not be returned. This has left many families in a vulnerable position, especially those who rely on these benefits for their day-to-day food needs.

How to Protect Yourself from EBT Card Fraud

With the growing number of thefts involving EBT cards, it is essential for cardholders to take steps to protect their funds. Victims like Nikki Gladfelter are advising others to be more vigilant. “Be vigilant about it. Change your PINs. They say that’s a big thing. I’ve never changed my PIN. I use the same PINs for everything, so I guess maybe we need to get with the times,” she said.

Here are some essential steps you can take to safeguard your EBT card and your benefits:

1. Change Your PIN Regularly:
   • Regularly update your PIN to ensure your account is secure.
   • Avoid using the same PIN for multiple accounts to make it harder for thieves to access your card.
2. Inspect Card Readers Before Use:
   • Always check the card reader before making a transaction. Look for any loose or suspicious components that may indicate tampering.
   • Ensure the keypad and card reader slot are securely attached to the machine.
3. Avoid Using Tampered Devices:
   • If you notice anything unusual about the card reader, such as it feeling loose or detached, avoid using it.
   • Immediately report any suspicious devices to the authorities or the business where the machine is located.
4. Spread Awareness:
   • Share these safety tips with friends and family who use EBT cards. By educating others, you can help prevent additional thefts.

By taking these simple precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of having your EBT card compromised. Protecting your card from fraud is crucial to ensuring you can continue accessing your benefits.

Conclusion

The theft of funds from EBT cards is a serious issue, and victims are often left without support from the authorities. While recent changes in federal law may have left many without reimbursement options, staying vigilant and taking proactive steps can help protect your EBT card and ensure your benefits remain secure. It is important to keep yourself informed and alert, as these scams are becoming more sophisticated. Be sure to follow the steps outlined above to safeguard your card and protect your benefits.

Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.