ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A new wave of EBT card skimming is impacting families who rely on food assistance programs like SNAP. This trend has affected tens of thousands of users, and people are finding their funds wiped out without their knowledge, according to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Victims of EBT card fraud are seeing their balances drained by a ring of scammers. These criminals use stolen card information to make purchases, leaving families without access to their benefits, officials say.

What You Need To Know

  • A wave of EBT card skimming is severely affecting families relying on food assistance programs like SNAP

  • Victims are experiencing their EBT balance being drained by scammers

  • Individuals seeking replacement benefits can visit the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

Initially, credit and debit card skimming were the primary targets for fraudsters, exploiting unsuspecting users through hidden devices at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals. Now, these criminals have shifted their focus to EBT card skimming.

EBT or Electric Benefits Transfer, allows a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participant to pay for food using SNAP benefits. Rochester community advocate Antonia Wynter says her friend was a target at a local corner store.

"They tried their EBT card, they swiped it a couple of times and it came up declined both times when they knew they had funds," said Antonia Wynter. 

Wynter says her friend checked her account balance and it was zero. She noticed multiple fraudulent transactions from Chicago.

"In the inner city, people have limited resources, so that may be all you can do is to get to your corner store to get something halfway decent to eat for your family," Wynter added.

According to the Monroe County Department of Social Services, 350 individuals have been victims of this fraud in June alone. According to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, there are victims across the state.

Authorities believe fraudsters use skimming devices to copy EBT cards and PIN information.

"These are people that go into the stores and they talk to them every day and slap them up and what have you. And now, you know, you're being taken advantage of," Wynter expressed. 

Wynter went on to say that there is a persistent stigma surrounding the use of EBT cards, often unfairly portraying recipients as lazy or dependent, despite many relying on these benefits due to genuine need.

"Many people work and receive food stamps just to assist with rising costs and inflation," said Wynter.

Individuals seeking replacement benefits can visit the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website to fill out the benefits replacement form or visit a local social services office.

"Stay away from the bodegas, the corner stores, if you can," Wynter added.

Alternate means of receiving food, such as food banks or food vouchers, while waiting for benefits to be restored are also available.