TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Terre Haute Police Department is warning residents about a scam involving EBT cards.
The department said it has received multiple reports of EBT cards being wiped clean after being used at local businesses.
According to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), the Division of Family Resources is working closely with federal partners, SNAP retailers and EBT processors to protect SNAP benefits and combat this fraud.
“Fraud will not be tolerated as SNAP benefit theft victimizes Hoosiers who rely on these benefits to feed their families,” said the FSSA.
To help protect SNAP benefits, THPD recommends cardholders use a PIN number to lock the account if they believe they are at risk of having their benefits stolen via card skimming, card cloning, and other similar methods.
More information on setting up a PIN for an EBT card can be found here.
The FSSA said SNAP benefits that have been stolen cannot be replaced by the State of Indiana, and card locking is the only way to protect your benefits.
“Congress passed a Continuing Resolution, signed by the President on December 21, 2024, that did not include replacement of stolen SNAP benefits from card skimming, card cloning, and/or other similar methods. Any SNAP benefits stolen from December 21, 2024, forward cannot be replaced,” according to the FSSA’s website.
The FSSA also provided these tips and resources for SNAP participants:
- Avoid simple PINs. Number combinations such as 1111, 1234 or 9876 may be easy for others to guess.
- Keep your PIN and card number secret. Do not share your PIN or card number with anyone outside your household. Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN on a machine.
- Beware of phishing. State agencies and EBT processors will never call or text to ask for your PIN or card number. Do not respond to calls or text messages requesting EBT card numbers or PIN, etc.
- Change your PIN often. Consider changing your PIN immediately after every use.
- If your card was skimmed, your PIN was also taken.
THPD also encourages all local businesses to regularly inspect their card readers to prevent card skimming and protect customers from fraud.
FSSA provided these tips for SNAP retailers to protect from fraud:
- Inspect point of sale machines/PIN pads regularly (at least daily) to look for tampering.
- Use surveillance cameras to monitor the POS machine/PIN pad and cash register area.
- Do not allow unscheduled service visits.
- Train employees to be aware of suspicious customer behavior.
- Talk to your POS machine/PIN pad provider about the most secure POS equipment for your store and resources to help you prevent card skimming.
- If you find a card skimmer or detect tampering, contact local police, your POS equipment provider, and the USDA Office of Inspector General Hotline at 800-424-9121.
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