Monroe County has seen a sharp uptick in residents having their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits stolen off their EBT cards through the use of unauthorized skimming devices – hundreds of reported incidents, this week alone. EBT cards are loaded with benefits and are being targeted by skimming devices when used. The skimming devices are used to steal money right out of your account.
According to Channel 10’s story more than 100,000 people in Monroe County depend on the SNAP to put food on their table. Dozens who rely on that help have come into the office of Thalia Wright, commissioner of Monroe County’s Department of Human Services, this week to report that they’re missing benefits. Skimming is happening nationwide. Devices are planted on card readers found on ATMs and in most stores. They collect the data stored on your cards, used by thieves to wipe out your account. To see what a skimming device looks like, check out this video.
There are some signs that may indicate that a skimmer is being used, including:
- Some block LED indicator lights or illuminated backlit keypad numbers, or partially cover stylus/pen trays.
- The faceplate may be loose, appear ill-fitting, or be easily dislodged from the body of the machine.
- The faceplate may be discolored, texturally mismatched, or otherwise appear different than the body of the card reading machine.
Monroe County officials have recommended the following tips for anyone impacted by this issue:
• Visit their website — https://www.monroecounty.gov/hs-assistance — for English and Spanish versions of the application needed to reclaim benefits.
• If anyone notices suspicious activity related to their card, they should cancel their card and change their pin. Visit https://www.connectebt.com/ to access your account.
• Sign up for the app that allows residents to monitor all transactions in real-time.
You can learn more about this issue and how to protect your benefits by visiting:
