The Albany County Department of Social Services is once again receiving reports of SNAP recipients’ benefits being skimmed. Skimming occurs when a device that is illegally installed inside of a card reader terminal captures card data and record cardholders’ PIN entries.  Skimming can also occur if a store has installed a “fraudulent EBT card point of sale machine,” which is much harder to detect and often not known until your benefits have been stolen right after your next benefit upload.   New York State rules allow certain TA cash benefits to be replaced if they have been stolen through electronic means (card skimming, cloning, third party misrepresentation or other similar fraudulent methods such as phishing). However, SNAP benefits can no longer be replaced if stolen.

The NYS Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance (OTDA) has released the ebtEDGE app to help secure your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card and protect yourself from scam-related theft. The freeze/unfreeze card feature in the ebtEDGE app helps households secure their EBT card and protect their benefits from theft by blocking purchases, balance inquiries, and transactions. Before purchasing food, cardholders can unfreeze their card with the ebtEDGE app and freeze it again after checkout. The ebtEDGE app is available on both the Android or Apple app store.

 To freeze/unfreeze an EBT card:

1. Open www.ebtEDGE.com or download the ebtEDGE app on your mobile device (available on the: Google Play Store and Apple App Store).
2. Create an account. If you already have an account, log in.
3. Tap the new Freeze/Unfreeze Card icon on the home screen.
4. Select the option to unfreeze your card.

For a step by step guide please visit: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/publications/5261.pdf

In addition to using ebtEDGE here are some other tips to help keep your card safe:

• Change Your PIN frequently and avoid using the same PIN for multiple accounts.
• Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges by calling the number on the back of the card.
• Lock your card immediately after use. 
• Inspect Card Readers Before Use:
• Before making a purchase, take a moment to examine the card reader.
• Look for any loose or suspicious components.
• Ensure the keypad and card reader slot are securely attached.
• Avoid Using Tampered Devices:
• If any part of the card reader feels unattached or odd, do not use it.
• Immediately report your findings to the police or your local Department of Social Services to prevent potential fraud.
• Spread Awareness:
• Share these safety tips with friends and family who have EBT cards.
• Educating others helps safeguard their benefits as well

“These benefits are a lifeline for many residents throughout the Capital Region, and it is shameful that these thieves continue to target these families. As incidents continue to be reported, I urge residents to remain vigilant, stay informed, and take proper precautions,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.

“It is extremely distressing when residents who are simply trying to buy groceries for themselves and their families are checking out at stores only to find that they no longer have SNAP benefits left for their purchase. I strongly encourage SNAP recipients to use ebtEDGE to lock and unlock their card and also change your PIN after each time you utilize your benefits,” said Albany County Department of Social Services Commissioner Erin M. Stachewicz.

New York State is no longer replacing stolen SNAP benefits so it is vital that recipients remain vigilant about protecting their EBT card from theft/fraud. If you believe your benefits have been skimmed, make a report to your local police department and reach out to the Albany County Department of Social Services by dialing (518) 447-7300 so you can request a replacement of your EBT Card.