Job and Family Services warns of SNAP fraud, cautious of 'skimming'

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) issued a warning about upticks in suspicious Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) activity.

The release from the ODJFS also goes on to state how scammers gain access to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card information, and how SNAP recipients can avoid fraud. 

SNAP scammers may use a process called 'skimming' to steal EBT card numbers.

These compromised devices have, in some cases, nearly identical covers to the actual card scanner and steal card information. 

An example of a card skimmer may look like the following:

  Boardman Police

The ODJFS recommends the following steps for SNAP recipients to stay safe:

• Manage benefits by downloading the secure ConnectEBT app. Through the app's features, it is possible for recipients to lock and unlock their EBT card before making any purchases. 
• Create a PIN that is unique and difficult to guess, and change the PIN monthly before deposits. 
• Never share your card number or PIN. It is mentioned in the release that ODJFS will never ask for these numbers.
• Carefully examine point-of-sale readers before using them to check for skimming devices. 
• When purchasing, cover the keypad to prevent others from seeing the PIN. 
• Do not use a card reader that seems unusual. 
• Pull at the edges of the keypad before swiping the EBT card to ensure nothing is over the reader. 
• Notify store staff if anything is suspicious with the card reader. 

The ODJFS does say that individuals who have had their SNAP benefits stolen electronically may ask for the funds to be reimbursed by contacting their local ODJFS.