ODHS Urges Oregonians to Act Against Fraud

Protect your SNAP & TANF Benefits

Photo courtesy of Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS)

The Oregon Department of Human Services is encouraging people in Oregon to take action today to protect the SNAP food and TANF cash benefits on their EBT cards from electronic theft like card skimming, card cloning, phishing and other similar methods.

Most theft occurs in the beginning of the month immediately after SNAP and TANF benefits are issued to EBT cards. Criminals use methods like skimming devices, internet scams and fake websites to steal card numbers and personal identification numbers (PIN). Once they have this information, they use online or out-of-state purchases to drain SNAP food and TANF cash benefits from a person’s card.

In October, approximately 220 households reported to ODHS that nearly $86,000 worth of SNAP food and TANF cash benefits had been stolen from their EBT cards. Criminals were blocked from stealing EBT benefits 104 times because people took action to protect their EBT cards.

“People and families in Oregon rely on their SNAP food and TANF cash benefits to help them meet their basic needs,” said Director Liesl Wendt. “Taking simple steps like changing your PIN, locking your cards and blocking online and out-of-state purchases works and keeps your benefits safe. We encourage everyone to do this today.”

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) recommends several steps for everyone with an EBT card to keep their benefits safe. First, it is important to only use the official ebtEDGE website and the mobile app for Apple or Android devices, as ODHS does not guarantee the safety of any other apps or websites that manage EBT accounts. Cardholders should consider freezing their EBT card between uses as an extra layer of protection, and unfreeze it only when ready to make a purchase. This can be done through the ebtEDGE website or mobile app under "Freeze Card" in the Account Services section. Additionally, users have the option to block out-of-state and online purchases, which can help prevent unauthorized transactions. These blocks can be managed under “Protect My Account” in Account Services and removed when desired.

Changing the PIN regularly is another key security measure. Updating the PIN frequently can protect the account if someone gains access to the card number. PINs can be changed by calling 888-997-4447 or logging into the ebtEDGE website. It is also essential to keep the PIN secret, never share it, and avoid writing it on the card. Users should cover the keypad when entering their PIN in public, as small cameras can capture the input. Inspecting card readers carefully before swiping the card at ATMs or other machines is recommended, as skimming devices are sometimes placed over legitimate readers. Any suspicious-looking devices should be avoided and reported to the business immediately.

Monitoring EBT account activity regularly is crucial. Cardholders should check for unusual charges and report any unauthorized transactions immediately. In such cases, they should cancel the card and request a replacement either by calling the EBT Replacement Line at 1-855-328-6715 or visiting an ODHS benefits office. Additionally, individuals should never respond to suspicious texts requesting their card number or PIN, as ODHS will never ask for this information through text messages. Social media scams should also be avoided, and only posts from official ODHS accounts should be trusted regarding benefits information.

More detailed guidance is available on the Protect Your EBT Card and Benefits webpage, which includes brochures, flyers, and wallet cards in multiple languages. Short videos explaining how to use and replace an EBT card, as well as ways to protect benefits, are posted in the How-to Videos section of benefits.oregon.gov.

According to October reports, 223 Oregon households were affected by EBT benefit theft. Of these, 104 theft attempts failed because cardholders had taken steps to protect their cards. The breakdown of thefts by program shows 49 cases in TANF and 559 cases in SNAP. The total dollar amount of stolen benefits reached $85,902, with $17,108 taken from TANF (cash) and $68,794 from SNAP (food).

NOTE: This data represents only what has been reported to the Oregon Department of Human Services and likely undercounts actual instances of EBT theft experienced by people in Oregon.

ODHS can replace Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits that are lost due to fraud. TANF families who believe benefits have been stole from their EBT card should contact ODHS to request replacement benefits within 30 days of the benefits being stolen.

The federal funding to replace benefits ran out on Dec. 21, 2024, and ODHS is no longer authorized to replace stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.