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6.01.2024

EBT Fraud: How to Protect your EBT Benefits

Side by side images of a credit card machine with and without a fraud skimmer.

Protect your EBT Benefits from Card Skimming and Cloning

EBT fraud is a nationwide problem that continues to rise. Please use the information below to help identify what to look for to reduce fraud and what to do if you suspect you may be a victim.

What is Skimming? 

Skimming is a type of theft. Thieves put an overlay on a store’s card-swiping machine to capture EBT, credit and debit card information. Criminals use this data to create fake EBT, debit or credit cards. The fake cards are called clones. Cloned cards are used to steal money and SNAP benefits from real accounts. 

Skimming can happen anywhere you swipe your EBT, credit or debit card. Most of the time, that means EBT or Credit Card machines and ATMs.

How to check for a Skimmer 

Before using an ATM or point-of-sale terminal, check for alignment issues between the card reader and the panel underneath it. Skimmers are often placed on top of the actual card reader, which makes it stick out at an odd angle or cover arrows in a panel.

If you suspect you are a victim of Skimming/Cloning

The Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) is now accepting claims for EBT benefits stolen through card skimming, card cloning or other similar fraudulent methods. Based on federal guidelines, some SNAP benefits stolen via electronic theft after October 1, 2022, may be eligible for replacement.

Please note: A maximum of two (2) claims may be approved each federal fiscal year (October through September). The benefits replaced will be the lesser of either the amount stolen or amount equal to two (2) monthly allotments.

Retroactive claims for theft that occurred between October 1, 2022, through July 30, 2023, will be accepted until September 28, 2023. Customers can report benefit theft in person at any welfare office, by phone (702) 486-1875 (Southern Nevada) or (775) 448-5211 (Northern Nevada), email, or online. After the report has been made, a claim form will be provided and must completed and returned within 10 business days. Additional information can be found under frequently asked questions (FAQs). If you are a victim of card skimming and/or cloning a new EBT card should be obtained immediately, by visiting any welfare office or calling the number on the back of your EBT card and changing your personal identification number (PIN). 

What can I do to protect my EBT Card?

The following prevention tips will help minimize the chances of being a victim of stolen benefits:

Report and Replace

Report your lost, stolen, or damaged EBT card and change your PIN as soon as possible.

Note: When you request a replacement card, your old card is automatically deactivated and can no longer be used. The PIN for your new card will remain the same as your previous until you change your PIN.

To access the ebtEDGE mobile app scan the QR code below or look for the ebtEDGE application app in the Google Play or Apple App.

For more information, click here.

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First 5 Nevada, a program of The Children's Cabinet, is supported by the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDG B-5), Grant Number 90TP0099, awarded to the Nevada Department of Education, from the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Department of Education, the Office of Child Care, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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