By Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
LINCOLN, Neb. – In the wake of multiple cases of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) fraud in Nebraska this week, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is reminding those with EBT cards to take preventive measures to protect their benefits.
“DHHS has investigators visiting high-risk locations to check for skimming devices,” said Shannon Grotrian, Director of the Office of Economic Assistance. “We’re also working with our EBT vendor, Fidelity Information Services, to shut down out-of-state locations where these fraudulent transactions are occurring.”
A skimmer is a device used by scammers to record actions taken on a card reader. Skimmers look similar to card readers but may be slightly larger, create a lip or edge around the device, or have thinner buttons. To check for a skimming device on a card reader, look for any unusual activity, including anything that may be loose, crooked, or damaged on the reader.
Other ways to prevent fraudulent activity on your EBT card include:
- Changing the PIN often. Changing the PIN at the end of each month before benefits are deposited is recommended for extra security. Additionally, do not use common PINs for accounts in case another account is breached.
- Downloading the FIS ebtEDGE app. By installing this app to a mobile device or creating an account at ebtedge.com, participants can register an EBT card and have additional security options, including freezing a card between uses or blocking out-of-state transactions.
- Checking accounts regularly for unauthorized changes. ebtEDGE allows participants to view their transaction history and sign up for email notifications to monitor their account’s activity.
- Beware of phishing attempts. DHHS and EBT processors will never call or text to ask for a PIN or card number, so be on the lookout for suspicious calls.
Individuals who believe their EBT benefits have been used fraudulently or have located a skimmer can contact local authorities to file a report. DHHS’s Special Investigation Unit can also be contacted at 402-595-3789 or [email protected].
For information on EBT card skimming, visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/EBT-Card-Skimming.aspx.