How Coloradans Can Safeguard SNAP Benefits from Theft and Fraud?

Millions of Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on the table. In Colorado alone, 600,000 people depend on these benefits. Unfortunately, thieves are using skimming devices to steal funds from Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, leaving vulnerable families in crisis.

Take Dalerie, a Colorado resident and mother of four, who recently faced this challenge. After months of financial hardship, her family temporarily relied on SNAP benefits to get by. When she attempted to use her EBT card at the grocery store, it was declined. She later discovered that her benefits, totaling $600, had been stolen and used at grocery stores far from her home.

“It said declined, declined, declined,” Dalerie shared. “I had to tell my kids, ‘I’m sorry, we can’t pay for these today.'”

Unfortunately, stolen SNAP benefits are not automatically reimbursed, leaving families like Dalerie’s to turn to local food banks and stretch the food they have left at home.

Why SNAP Theft Is a Growing Concern?

Thieves use card skimmers and cloning devices to capture card information and PINs, enabling them to empty accounts before victims even realize what has happened. Federal data shows that without reimbursement policies, families are left without crucial support.

Although a 2022 law signed by former President Joe Biden allowed states to use federal funds to reimburse victims of SNAP theft, Congress did not include this provision in the 2024 funding bill. Advocacy groups and lawmakers are now urging Congress to reinstate this protection in the upcoming Farm Bill.

Without these safeguards, millions of Americans are at risk of losing benefits, further compounding their struggles.

Steps to Safeguard Your EBT Benefits

The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) has outlined several measures to help cardholders protect their SNAP benefits:

1. Freeze Your EBT Card: Use the MyCoBenefits or ebtEDGE mobile apps to freeze your card when it’s not in use. These apps are available on both Apple and Google Play app stores.
2. Set Transaction Restrictions: Through the ebtEDGE mobile app or Cardholder Portal, you can place restrictions on your account to prevent unauthorized use.
3. Change Your PIN Regularly: Update your PIN at least once a month, ideally before your benefits are posted.
4. Stay Informed About Fraud: Visit the CDHS EBT webpage for up-to-date information about protecting your benefits.

By taking these precautions, SNAP recipients can reduce the risk of falling victim to electronic theft.

Community Impact and Next Steps

Dalerie’s story highlights the urgent need for legislative action. Families affected by SNAP theft face devastating financial and emotional challenges. While some turn to local food banks for temporary relief, it’s not a sustainable solution for everyone.

Lawmakers and advocacy groups are calling for Congress to prioritize reimbursement protections in the next Farm Bill. Until such measures are in place, millions remain at risk of losing critical support.

“We take it day by day and pray,” Dalerie said. “We’re thankful for what we do have, but it’s not easy.”

Conclusion

Protecting SNAP benefits from fraud requires a combined effort from individuals, state agencies, and lawmakers. While technology and vigilance can help safeguard accounts, broader systemic protections are needed to ensure that no family is left without the assistance they rely on to survive.

For more information and resources, visit the CDHS EBT webpage or contact your local SNAP office.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.