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New Tool to Protect Low-Income New Yorkers From Losing EBT Benefits to Scams or Skimming

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new tool for New Yorkers who receive government assistance via an Electronic Benefit Transfer card to protect themselves from criminals who use “skimming” devices to steal benefits. Beginning today, February 21, a new EBT lock/unlock tool on the ConnectEBT app will enable card users to easily lock their EBT cards when not in use to protect their benefits from scammers.

“Low-income New Yorkers shopping for food and other essential items for their families should never have to find out at the checkout that their benefits have been stolen by scammers,” Governor Hochul said. “We will continue to take action to protect New Yorkers from scam-related theft and ensure that EBT cardholders have effective tools to protect their benefits.”

Across New York State and nationwide, thieves are using card skimmers, covertly placed over card reading machines at legitimate retailers, to copy EBT card and personal identification number information from EBT users. Scammers use the stolen card data to drain funds from victims’ EBT accounts.

The new lock/unlock EBT card feature helps prevent skimming theft by enabling EBT cardholders to quickly and easily lock their card through the ConnectEBT app after making a purchase. Locking the EBT card blocks all purchases, balance inquiries, and transactions on the card.

The new lock/unlock card feature is the latest step in Governor Hochul’s continued work to protect EBT card users from scammers. To raise awareness about skimming, Governor Hochul in December signed legislation that requires stores accepting EBT cards to warn customers of skimming and how they can protect themselves from the practice. The Governor worked with New York’s Congressional delegation and the Legislature to secure federal and State funding for partial reimbursements to theft victims. OTDA, which oversees SNAP and Public Assistance in New York State, began accepting applications for replacement benefits in August. More than $20 million in stolen benefits has been reimbursed through the end of December.

When shopping, consumers should inspect the card reading machine for an overlay device that may hide parts of the machine or anything unusual like glue marks, damaged or loose parts. If anyone suspects something is wrong with the machine, they should not use their card, notify a store manager, and contact the local police.

Additionally, EBT card users should:

  • Protect their benefits by shielding the PIN pad when entering their PIN.
  • Change their PIN frequently and do not share it. It is best to change the PIN immediately after each transaction.
  • Lock their card immediately after use.
  • Check their EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges.
  • If a transaction is unexpectedly declined or a user receives an error code, contact the EBT Customer Services Helpline to verify the transactions on the account.

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11 Comments

  • Kan tziva

    I don’t see how using an app before and after each use or to spend 10 minutes changing my pin with the automated call number every time I purchase will be able to fit into my hectic low income lifestyle .

  • Mika Duh

    It’s not brain surgery lol ^^ lets see if this helps sounds promising lets see if this works…my neighbor had hers stolen from Baltimore MD and she doesn’t even know where Baltimore and never been there wicked world wen u have to steal food stamps

  • A.J.

    The time it has taken me to report, appear and followup to get reimbursed, my schedule isn’t that hectic. It’s cost me more time and inconvenience. Thanks for whatever help this tool will offer until more improvement can be made

  • Crystal

    I used a atm In January the next month which is now February thought i was goi g food shopping for .e a disabled women a d her child got to the register mind I. Thk k my benefits is o. My card it’s the beginning of the month got to the register declined I was so embarrassed and broke down for the month it’s sad when you steal from wome. And children pa has still haven’t fix it thus is a new low

    • Mary

      Use the app “providers” so you know when your stamps come in and how much you have left and how much you have spent and where.
      It’s safe, no numbers exposed even if someone steals your phone, they can do nothing with it. I also got a free phone with services through it as they have lots of resources on the app.

  • Goldie

    I think it’s great that the city is trying something. But how can this help when your ebt is stolen the minute you swipe your card to pay for your items. By the time you log into a App to lock your card, or change your pass code your benefits will already be stolen. It happens just that fast.

  • Stephanie L.

    I Believe That’s A GOOD Idea?????‍♀️???‍♀️???? I Would Love To See That HAPPEN, And Wouldn’t Mind Utilizing This Feature, Look At It This Way; I Have Pre-Paid Debit Cards ? I GO To The App To Lock?? And Unlock? THEM, I Also Have These RFID Card? Protectors, For Each Card, So They’re On Double Duty ????✌???????

  • Rebecca padro

    I would like to have All of my benifits to be protected by the new York city of the ploice department i Also will thank you for All your comments and All of my positive people to be save As well thank you for this App

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