Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) users in the Rochester area should be aware that there is an increase in EBT benefit theft throughout Monroe County.
According to the Monroe County Department of Social Services, approximately 350 skimming incidents have been reported so far in June, in which accounts were compromised and benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance (TA) were stolen.
“Monroe County is committed to combating these thefts and recognizes their disruptive impact on people’s lives,” the county said in a press release Wednesday. “To expedite the reimbursement of funds, the department has prioritized benefit reimbursement requests.”
County welfare staff are providing additional resources to expedite the repayment of as many benefits as possible and are assisting those affected with alternative food options while they wait for their benefits to be restored.
Here’s what you should know:
What will my data be used for if it is stolen?
Card skimming involves directly copying your card and PIN information using a device called a skimmer that is placed on a store’s card reader, the county said. The stolen data is then used to access your EBT account and spend your SNAP and TA cash benefits.
What to do if your benefits have been stolen?
If your card is stolen, report it immediately by calling 888-328-6399, visiting ConnectEBT.com or using the ConnectEBT app.
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Can my services be replaced?
Yes, your benefits can be replaced. If you need replacement benefits, visit Monroe County Social Services at 691 St. Paul St. or 111 Westfall Rd. to obtain a replacement EBT card and PIN and to submit an application for replacement benefits.
It is recommended that you download and complete the Benefit Replacement Form (located at otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/EBT-scam-alert.asp) before contacting the Department of Social Security. If you cannot do this in advance, forms are also available from the Department of Social Security.
It is also helpful to attach your transaction report showing the unauthorized transactions from ConnectEBT.com or the ConnectEBT app.
Please note, however, that no replacement is available for lost cards, physical card theft, voluntary transfer of your EBT card or card information to another person, or transactions conducted by authorized persons.
Your benefits can also only be replaced twice per federal tax year (from October 1 to September 30) and are capped at the lesser of the amount stolen or twice the SNAP and/or TA cash benefits you received in the last full month of expenditure before the benefits were stolen, according to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
How to protect your benefits
Monroe County recommends that all cardholders take the following steps to protect their benefits:
- Change your PIN immediately and remember to change it regularly
- Protect your EBT card and PIN information
- Monitor your EBT account regularly to detect unauthorized transactions
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How to recognize a card skimmer
According to the New York State Office for the Aging, skimming can happen anywhere a person uses their EBT card, including at an ATM.
The skimmers are designed to look like the card reader they fit over and are usually difficult to spot. Here are some signs to look for, according to the Office for the Aging:
- Some skimmers block the LED indicators or illuminated numbers on the backlit keyboard or partially cover the pen trays.
- The front panel may be loose, appear to not fit properly, or may come easily apart from the machine’s body.
- The front panel may be discolored, have a different texture, or otherwise look different than the card reader case.
Emily Barnes is the New York State team’s consumer protection reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Barnes at [email protected] or on Twitter. @byemilybarnes.
