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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 15, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: EBT Cards, Scams ( 1,472 ), skimmers ( 4 ), SNAP ( 3 )   

  EBT Theft Victims Left Behind 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In Lynchburg and across Virginia, a growing number of residents who rely on Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase food are reporting unexpected losses from their accounts. These incidents, attributed to an ongoing scam, are creating serious hardships for families who depend on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

  Each month, local officials report that tens of thousands of dollars are disappearing from EBT accounts. Although the exact method behind the scam remains unclear, authorities have confirmed it is not related to traditional card skimming. The result, however, is the same. Funds meant to support essential food purchases are gone without warning, and for many, there is no way to recover them.

  This challenge has become more difficult since a federal policy change took effect in December 2024. Prior to that, victims of EBT theft were often reimbursed for stolen benefits. Now, that reimbursement is no longer available. Families who experience unauthorized transactions on their accounts must absorb the loss entirely, without any replacement funds from the government.

  Officials at the local and state levels acknowledge the seriousness of the issue. Some have pointed to the possibility of legislative solutions which could address benefit security more directly. However, for the time being, there is no clear timeline for changes or restoration of reimbursements.

  In the meantime, those affected are being encouraged to take precautionary measures, such as using the Connect EBT app to lock their cards when not in use, regularly updating their PINs, and avoiding online transactions. While these steps may reduce the risk of theft, they do not address the losses already sustained by victims.

  The situation highlights an ongoing vulnerability in the distribution of public assistance and underscores the challenges families face when unexpected disruptions occur. As the scope of the scam becomes clearer, so too does the need for a coordinated response that can restore both security and trust in the system.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 6, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: atm skimmer ( 5 ), EBT Cards, food stamps ( 5 ), Scams ( 1,472 ), skimmers ( 4 ), SNAP ( 3 )   

  The hidden crisis of how scammers prey on vulnerable welfare recipients 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In our interconnected world, where technology and communication thrive, the specter of scams looms ominously. Contrary to the common perception that only the affluent fall prey, the truth is stark. Scammers operate with ruthless efficiency, targeting the most financially vulnerable among us. No one, regardless of their financial status, is immune to these dangers. 

  In December, a 70-year-old California woman found herself in an unthinkable situation at the checkout line of a grocery store. Despite having diligently saved her monthly benefits from the federal food assistance program, she was told she had only $6 in her account. What she discovered next was that someone had gained unauthorized access to her food stamp card, siphoning off over $4,000. Her ordeal is just one example of a pervasive issue affecting countless welfare recipients across the country.

  For individuals like this, who rely on public benefits such as food stamps and cash assistance, the threat of exploitation is relentless. Scammers employ illegal skimming devices to lift payment card data from unsuspecting victims, using the information to create fake payment cards and drain their accounts. These schemes target various card-based payments, including welfare programs that use electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards.

  Unlike credit and debit cards issued by banks, EBT cards lack fraud protection, leaving recipients vulnerable to digital theft. The outdated technology of EBT cards, which lack chip technology, exacerbates this vulnerability. Despite the prevalence of skimming schemes, the transition to more secure payment structures has been slow, hindered by logistical challenges and a lack of federal mandate.

  Victims of skimming often endure days without groceries, resorting to food banks, skipping meals, or borrowing money to survive. The emotional toll is equally devastating, with victims facing anxiety and fear over their financial security. Many are left without recourse for their losses.

  Before swiping your EBT card at ATMs or point-of-sale terminals, inspect the card reader for any signs of tampering or unusual attachments. Look for loose parts, adhesive residue, or anything that seems out of place. If something looks suspicious, use a different machine or report it to the store or relevant authorities.

  When entering your PIN at an ATM or checkout terminal, shield the keypad with your hand or body to prevent anyone from observing or recording your PIN.

  Regularly review your EBT card account statements and transaction history for any unauthorized or suspicious activity. Report any discrepancies or unauthorized transactions to the issuing agency or bank immediately.

  Consider changing your PIN regularly, especially if you suspect your card may have been compromised. Choose a unique and strong PIN that is not easily guessable.

  If your EBT card is lost or stolen, report it to the issuing agency or bank immediately to have the card deactivated and prevent unauthorized use. Prompt reporting can help minimize the risk of fraudulent transactions.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 17, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: EBT Cards, food stamps ( 5 ), pennsylvania ( 9 ), Scams ( 1,472 ), text scam ( 27 ), Virginia ( 9 ), wisconsin ( 3 )   

  Text message scam targets food stamp recipients in multiple states 

  

  By Greg Collier

  If you or someone you know receives any kind of benefit assistance from your state, you may want to be on the lookout for suspicious text messages regarding your benefits. Just this week, we’ve come across three states where those receiving benefits through EBT cards have been warned about text messages that appear to come from the state.

  In all three states, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, the scams are the same. Recipients have received text messages stating that their benefits would be cut off if they didn’t call the number in the text to confirm their account number and their PIN. Once the scammers have this information, they’re able to drain the recipient’s account.

  For many recipients, if they miss even a month of benefits, that could mean their children go hungry, or they could be evicted from their homes. With this kind of risk hanging over their heads, you can see why some may respond to these text messages out of fear. This fear is precisely what the scammers are counting on.

  The scammers don’t know who specifically is receiving benefits, so they’re sending out text messages en masse in hopes of finding a few victims. You may receive a text message even if you’re not receiving any state benefits.

  Most states do send out texts to benefit recipients, such as reminders when it’s time for renewal. However, these states will never send text messages asking for personal information like your PIN, Social Security number, or date of birth, just to name a few.

  Since this scam has already happened in multiple states, there’s a good chance it could be happening in yours. If you receive a text message like this, do not respond and delete the message. If you fall victim to this scam, contact your state immediately, as it could take another month before the benefits can be replaced.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on February 9, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: atm skimmer ( 5 ), California ( 21 ), EBT Cards, food stamps ( 5 ), Scams ( 1,472 ), skimmers ( 4 )   

  Scammers steal millions from California’s disadvantaged 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Usually, we post about scams that the typical consumer should be aware of. They should also be aware of this one, but for different reasons.

  As we always say, scammers don’t care who they’re taking advantage of. Their victims could be the elderly, or they could be inexperienced teens. There’s probably even a scam that takes advantage of orphans somehow. They love taking advantage of those who are financially secure. However, that doesn’t stop them from stealing from those who have very little to their own name.

  According to a report from the L.A. Times, scammers are stealing millions of dollars from those who receive economic assistance from the state. Typically, the scammers are targeting those who receive welfare and food stamps. The stamps themselves have been long gone for years. They’ve been replaced with an Electronic Benefit Transfer card, more commonly known as an EBT card. Benefits are deposited into the recipient’s account, and the recipient uses the card as they would a normal debit card. Therein lies the problem.

  Security experts believe that the scammers are obtaining card information by installing skimmers at various locations where EBT cards are used. Traditionally at convenience stores, ATMs, and gas stations. When a cardholder puts their card into a machine where a skimmer has been placed, scammers can copy the information from the card, including the PIN. Scammers will then go to an ATM and withdraw the cardholders benefit money.

  The Golden State isn’t helping their benefit recipients much. Once a recipient’s card has been skimmed, the only protection they’re given is that they’re told to withdraw all their money at midnight on the day of the month the benefits are issued.

  California’s EBT cards are still using the magnetic strip, which is where the scammers take the information from. Most commercial and consumer credit and debit cards use the more secure chip. The state says it would take at least 2 1/2 years to update the cards.

  Meanwhile, it takes recipients at least a month to have their benefits replaced by the state. That’s a month they have to worry about putting food on the table and keeping a roof over their family’s heads. And if they have their benefits stolen more than once, the recipient could be investigated for EBT card trafficking.

  Many have the belief that people who receive assistance from the state are somehow living the high life. Nothing could be further from the truth. These are people who struggle every day, and the scammers just make that struggle worse. Sadly, they seem to be receiving no help with that fight.

  We urge you to read the L.A. Times article that goes more in-depth about their plight.