The Broome County Department of Social Services has detected dozens of applications submitted by Broome County residents in which their benefits were stolen due to Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) “skimming.” This illegal process involves a device (skimmer) placed on top of a store’s card reading machine. The skimmer copies card and personal identification number (PIN) information from EBT cardholders. The stolen data is then used to access an individual’s EBT account and spend their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance (TA) cash benefits.
All EBT cardholders should take these steps to protect their benefits.
Change their PIN immediately and remember to change it frequently.
Remember to protect their EBT card and PIN information.
Monitor their EBT account regularly to watch for unauthorized transactions.
If someone suspects their benefits have been stolen, please immediately call the Broome County Case Integrity Unit at 607-778-2519.
For more information, please visit the following websites:
https://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/EBT-scam-alert.asp#scam-type
