HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) -- The Department of Human Services and Office of State Inspector General warn Pennsylvania residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to change their PINs to protect their benefits from fraudsters.
With the uptick in EBT/SNAP benefit thefts and residents being wiped clean of monies meant to help feed their families, the Shapiro Administration is urging all recipients to change their PINs monthly, ahead of receiving benefits.
Skimming machines -- or "skimmers" -- have been reported across the Commonwealth that look and function like normal EBT/credit card readers, but simultaneously read your card's information to potentially empty your account.
“We are constantly working to ensure that the benefits DHS administers stay with the Pennsylvanians who need them. The Department of Human Services is aware of skimming incidents that have been targeting SNAP recipients – card skimming and SNAP theft have been issues nationwide,” DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh said. “Do not become a victim of this crime. Make sure you change your PIN every month, and when you swipe your EBT card at a card reader, please make sure a skimming device is not attached.”
DHS says they are aware of incidents of stolen SNAP benefits from EBT cards
How to change your EBT card's PIN:
By Phone: DHS' EBT Recipient Hotline is available at 1-888-EBT-PENN (1-888-328-7366) and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Online: Users can change their PIN online through DHS’ EBT contractor, Conduent, via their Connect EBT website.
Via Mobile App: Users can also change their PIN online through two separate apps:
Conduent’s secure ConnectEBT app, available for free on Apple and GooglePlay app stores.
DHS’ myCOMPASS PA mobile app, Pennsylvania’s official, safe, and secure mobile app, available for free on Apple and GooglePlay app stores. SNAP recipients can also monitor their SNAP benefits and transactions regularly through the myCOMPASS PA mobile app.
DHS noted they have implemented stronger security measures, which include rejecting "simple" PINs such as "1234." They're also working to develop a feature that will allow anyone suspecting there may be fraud to "lock" their accounts.
“OSIG is hard at work investigating instances of skimming across Pennsylvania and prosecuting the criminals involved,” State Inspector General Michelle Henry said. “We urge Pennsylvanians to remain diligent and follow the steps outlined here to protect their SNAP benefits from skimming. As part of our ongoing investigations, OSIG agents have identified and removed skimmers from grocery stores and will continue to work closely with DHS and local law enforcement to protect the integrity of these vital programs.”
Skimming devices are designed to blend in and deceive customers, but there are ways to identify a fraudulent device:
Observe the size. Skimming devices are often placed over the legitimate card reader, making them larger and thicker than legitimate card readers.
Skimming devices are often attached with glue or tape.
Pull at the edges of the keypad before entering your PIN.
Look for security stickers. Some legitimate devices may have a security label or holographic decal on the front or top of the card reader.
What’s a card skimmer and how is it stealing people’s SNAP benefits
Example of a regular card reader vs one with a skimming device over it. (Photo: Department of Human Services)
Report Stolen Benefits and Request a New EBT Card
If SNAP benefits are stolen from an EBT card, that theft should be reported to local law enforcement and OSIG by calling 1-800-932-0582.
If an individual's benefits are stolen, they should request a replacement EBT card as soon as possible from DHS’ EBT contractor, Conduent, at 888-328-7366, or by contacting their local County Assistance Office.
Due to the end of Congressional authorization of funds to replace stolen benefits, benefits stolen after December 20, 2024, cannot be reissued by DHS.
Pennsylvania used to replace stolen SNAP benefits, however, the Congressional authorized funds for replacement expired in December 2024. Now, if your benefits are stolen, you have to wait until they are replenished the next month.
