DHHS Warns of SNAP Card Scam

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has been made aware of fraudulent card skimming activities that resulted in some Nebraskan's SNAP (Nebraska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) cards being compromised.Skimming occurs when devices are illegally installed on point-of-sale (POS) terminals that capture data or record cardholders’ PINs. Criminals use the data to create fake EBT (electronic benefit transfer) cards and then steal from victims’ accounts. EBT is a plastic card similar to a debit card. Clients of SNAP, formerly the Food Stamp Program, use their EBT card to buy food at authorized stores.Skimming devices can also be placed on ATMS, fuel pumps, or any terminal that captures data from a credit, debit or EBT card.According to DHHS, almost 99 percent of unauthorized purchases detected are coming from outside the State of Nebraska. Therefore, SNAP cardholders are highly encouraged to visit ebtedge.com to register their card and block out-of-state transactions.DHHS issued a statement, “DHHS is working closely with federal partners, SNAP retailers, and EBT processors to protect SNAP benefits and combat fraudulent SNAP skimming activities. Fraud in any form will not be tolerated and could result in penalties including criminal prosecution. SNAP benefit theft victimizes low-income people who rely on these benefits to feed their families.”There are important steps Nebraskans can take to help prevent fraud on their EBT account.Change your PIN often, and do not use common PINs for your account.Download the FIS ebtEDGE app on your mobile device or create a cardholder account at www.ebtedge.com and register your EBT card.From the application or website, you can select options to freeze your card between uses to prevent unauthorized activity. You can also block out-of-state transactions, which may also help prevent unauthorized activity. These options can be activated or deactivated by the household instantly through the application or website prior to or following a valid purchase.From the application or website, you can also view the transaction history for your EBT account.Households can request a replacement card if they are concerned their account was compromised by calling 1-877-247-6328 or through mobile and web applications.Keep your PIN and card number secret. Do not share your PIN or card number with anyone outside your household. Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN on a machine.Beware of phishing. DHHS and EBT processors will never call or text to ask for your PIN or card number.Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges. If you see any, change your PIN right away to stop the thief from making new purchases. Report suspicious activity.If residents have additional questions or believe they were affected by unauthorized purchases on their EBT accounts, please contact ACCESSNebraska at the following numbers for assistance:(402) 323-3900 Lincoln(402) 595-1258 Omaha(402) 471-7256 TDD(800) 383-4278 Toll-Free Number

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