The Monroe County Department of Social Services is warning residents of a recent surge of theft from Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) accounts.

Officials say roughly 350 skimming incidents of EBT cards have been reported so far in June. They say the theft has led to accounts being compromised and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance (TA) benefits being stolen.

The county says it is committed to addressing the thefts and the department has prioritized benefit replacement applications to expedite the replacement of funds. Officials say staff from Social Services are working to expedite refunded benefits, and that the DHS is working with those impacted to get them alternate means of receiving food.

For replacement benefits, the county is asking residents to visit Social Services at 691 St. Paul St. or 111 Westfall Road to obtain a replacement EBT card and PIN, and to file their application for replacement benefits. Officials ask that visitors download and fill out the benefits replacement form beforehand.

If someone believes their benefits may have been stolen, residents can call 888-328-6399, visit connectebt.com or use the ConnectEBT mobile app.

To protect benefits, officials say residents should:

• Immediately change the PIN, and remember to change it frequently
• Protect their EBT card and PIN information
• Monitor their EBT account regularly to watch for unauthorized transactions