EBT cards can be skimmed or cloned, and anyone can access your benefits if they have your card number and PIN information. You can keep your EBT cards safe through a couple of easy steps - change your PIN often, and you can freeze your EBT card to stop new purchases and PIN changes. Log into the ebtEDGE mobile app from your smartphone, or log into the Cardholder Portal for more information.
Action
Although there are safeguards in place, EBT cards have been compromised and cloned, resulting in the loss of benefits for the cardholder. With most of the fraud reported, it would appear that Personal Identifiable Information (PII), such as Social Security Numbers and Dates of Birth, has not been obtained by the fraudster(s) which is why EBT card & PIN safety education is of the utmost importance. Cardholders are encouraged to:
- Change PIN numbers often, as skimming devices can easily identify card and PIN
information. The PIN is what safely protects benefits on the EBT card.
- Utilize the “freeze” card option via the ebtEDGE mobile app or Cardholder Portal. The cardholder can freeze and unfreeze their card in seconds, the freeze will prevent any financial transactions.
- Consider direct deposit for cash benefits. Adult Financial and Colorado Works recipients can have benefits deposited to personal bank accounts or to a KeyBank prepaid debit card.
- File an incident report with local law enforcement in the event an EBT card is compromised.
Background
Since the pandemic began, Colorado EBT cardholders have experienced an unprecedented increase in fraud surrounding EBT cards and benefits. Colorado EBT cards have been compromised and cloned with fraudsters accessing SNAP and Cash benefits both here in Colorado and out of state in areas such as Texas and Arizona. Unfortunately, based on rule (Federal § 274.6 and State 4.706.3) neither SNAP nor P-EBT benefits can be replaced when the EBT card and PIN are used. We are also unable to replace LEAP benefits.
As a result of this fraud, Colorado is currently blocking transactions in some states and cities where fraud has taken place. Cardholders traveling out of state should be advised to go to the CDHS website to learn more prior to their travels.
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