SNAP

How to protect your EBT card number from being stolen

Image of Aidan Lovely
Image of Aidan Lovely
Table of contents

EBT cards work like debit cards, they’re preloaded with benefits like SNAP and you just swipe them to pay for eligible groceries.

But unlike debit cards, most EBT cards have magnetic stripes instead of chips, so they need to be swiped in card readers—and that can make them vulnerable to EBT theft through illegal skimmers.

And theft can happen even if your EBT card never leaves your wallet. Looking out for skimmers, protecting your PIN and changing it each month, and monitoring your EBT transactions and locking your card can all help protect you from EBT theft.

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How are EBT benefits being stolen?#how-are-ebt-benefits-being-stolen

Thieves can steal your benefits without even touching your EBT card; all they need is your card number and your PIN.

If they get both, they can use your benefits anywhere, even from another state. Most states no longer replace benefits stolen from EBT cards, so protecting your card is key.

Here are some of the most common ways thieves try to steal your EBT information:

  1. Card skimming: Skimming happens when thieves attach fake devices to card readers. When you swipe your card, the skimmer copies your EBT card number. Some skimmers even record your PIN when you type it in.
  2. Phishing and scam messages: Scammers may call, text, or message you on social media pretending to be from your state EBT office or another benefits program. They’ll ask for your card number or PIN—never give out your PIN number.
  3. Stolen EBT cards: If someone steals your actual card, and they know or guess your PIN, they can use your benefits at any store that accepts EBT.
  4. Cloned EBT cards: In some cases, thieves use stolen data to make fake copies of your card. You might still have the real card in your wallet, but someone else could be spending your benefits because they were able to duplicate your card information.

How to protect your EBT card from theft#how-to-protect-your-ebt-card-from-theft

Here are simple tips to protect your EBT card from theft:

  • Keep your card in a safe place. Store it in your wallet or another secure spot when not in use.
  • Don’t lend out your card. Even if you trust someone, sharing your EBT card can be risky. If someone spends your benefits without your permission, you may not get them back.
  • Watch out for card skimmers. Before using a card reader, look for signs of anything strange, like loose or bulky card slots, crooked terminals, unusual marks, or buttons that feel off. Wiggle the card reader and don’t use it if it seems loose.
  • Monitor your account. Check your EBT balance and transactions regularly. Apps like Propel can help you track your transactions and lock your EBT card if something looks suspicious.
  • Be aware of scam calls or texts. If you get a message asking for your EBT card number or PIN, ignore it. If the message seems important or real, always call your state EBT office before giving out any information.

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How to protect your EBT card PIN from getting stolen#how-to-protect-your-ebt-card-pin-from-getting-stolen

Your EBT card PIN is the code you use to spend your benefits. Even if someone gets your EBT card number, they can’t use your benefits without the PIN.

That’s why protecting your EBT PIN is just as important as protecting your card. Here’s how to protect your EBT PIN from theft:

  • Never share your PIN. Don’t share your PIN with store employees, friends, or even family members.
  • Cover the keypad. When entering your PIN at a store, use your hand or body to block others from seeing the numbers.
  • Change your PIN monthly. One of the easiest ways to stay safe is to change your EBT PIN before your benefits arrive each month. This makes it harder for anyone who may have stolen your card info to use it.

What to do if you think someone has your EBT card number#what-to-do-if-you-think-someone-has-your-ebt-card-number

If you think someone has used your EBT benefits without permission, act fast to report the theft:

  1. Call your state’s EBT customer service line immediately
  2. Report the suspicious activity and ask to freeze or replace your card
  3. You may need to change your PIN or get a new card

Can the Propel app steal my EBT card number?#can-the-propel-app-steal-my-ebt-card-number

No, Propel doesn’t save your EBT card number or PIN and will never steal your benefits information. While EBT theft is, unfortunately, all-too-common, using Propel doesn’t make it more likely that your benefits will be stolen.

In fact, Propel offers security features that can help keep your EBT card safe from theft, like the option to block out-of-state transactions, lock your EBT card, and block all online transactions.