600% Increase in SNAP Fraud in Last 3 Months Raises Alarms Over DSS’s EBT Card Security Measures

A worrying trend is unfolding across the U.S.: scams targeting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients have surged by a staggering 600% in just the past three months, according to recent reports from government agencies and watchdogs.

The dramatic rise has prompted growing concerns about whether state Departments of Social Services (DSS) are equipped to protect Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders from increasingly sophisticated fraudsters.

The Alarming Rise in SNAP Fraud

The primary methods behind this fraud explosion are card skimming and cloning. Criminals install hidden devices on point-of-sale terminals—especially at convenience stores or unmonitored ATMs—to steal card data and PINs. This data is then used to create duplicate cards, draining the accounts of unsuspecting SNAP beneficiaries.

In one heartbreaking case reported by The Sun, a single mother in Rhode Island had her benefits completely wiped out—leaving her with “nothing in the fridge” for her children. And she’s not alone.

Thousands of similar cases are being reported across states, with some scams coordinated at a national level. In New York City alone, scammers stole thousands of dollars in food stamps from residents in senior housing during the holidays, according to The New York Post.

What Is DSS Doing to Respond?

State DSS offices and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP at the federal level, have begun taking steps to address the surge.

1. Public Awareness Campaigns

Most state agencies have rolled out urgent advisories warning recipients to:

• Regularly change their PINs.
• Avoid using EBT cards at suspicious or damaged card readers.
• Inspect card machines for skimming devices.

For instance, the South Carolina DSS issued a bulletin urging SNAP users to take extra precautions.

2. Mobile App Features to Freeze Cards

Some states, including New York, have introduced app features allowing users to freeze and unfreeze their EBT cards, providing added control and security in case of suspected fraud. Details are available on the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) website.

3. Push for Chip-Enabled Cards

In coordination with federal agencies, DSS offices are working to transition EBT cards from magnetic stripes to EMV chip-enabled cards, which are significantly harder to skim. However, progress has been slow, as reported by Nextgov.

What Are the Challenges?

Delays in Upgrading Card Technology

Despite clear benefits, many states are still using outdated magnetic stripe cards, leaving millions vulnerable. Transitioning to chip cards requires federal coordination and significant funding.

Limited Reimbursement for Victims

Currently, not all states reimburse stolen SNAP benefits. While some temporary federal waivers allowed for replacement benefits in 2023–2024, many expired in 2024. Some recipients today have no recourse if their benefits are stolen.

How EBT Users Can Protect Themselves

Given the current risks, experts and officials advise EBT users to take proactive steps:

• Change your PIN regularly, especially after each transaction.
• Avoid using EBT cards at gas pumps, ATMs, or terminals that look suspicious or have loose parts.
• Monitor your EBT account frequently via the mobile app or your state’s EBT portal.
• Report any unauthorized transactions immediately to your DSS or the EBT customer service hotline.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also provides valuable guidelines on how to detect and avoid SNAP-related scams.

Final Thoughts

While DSS agencies have taken commendable steps in educating the public and rolling out new features, the 600% surge in SNAP scams signals a need for more urgent and systemic reforms. EBT users, many of whom are among the nation’s most vulnerable, deserve robust protections, faster reimbursements, and safer technologies.

Until that becomes a reality, staying vigilant may be the best defense against these fast-evolving threats.

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