Urgent Warning for SNAP Recipients – Change Your PIN Immediately to Protect Your Benefits

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) and Office of the Inspector General advise SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) claims to be vigilant in making sure their benefits remain secure.

Now, thefts of SNAP/EBT benefits are happening more often. The fraudsters steal info from cards and take money out from the accounts using “skimming devices” (counterfeit card readers) that siphon data. Due to the increasing likelihood of this happening, the Shapiro Administration advised all of the beneficiaries of SNAP to change their PIN at least once a month.

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Change your PIN to avoid fraud.

CCAs of ATM fraud have been reported from various locations in Pennsylvania, where sophisticated criminals manage to get the EBT card information by misleadingly installing mini-skimmers in the marketplaces. These counterfeit card readers are designed to appear very similar but secretly copy the card data of unsuspecting victims. With this data, the perpetrators are creating duplicate EBT cards and are withdrawing money from accounts that are supposed to be providing food assistance to needy families.

DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkush addressed the issue that protecting the safety of SNAP benefit recipients was a major priority. There are rumors of frauds committed around the country and not only in Pennsylvania, but the state government is taking necessary management steps to avert these actions.

Take these steps to keep your benefits safe

DHS recommends the following security measures to thwart away theft of SNAP benefits:

• Change your PIN once a month. That way, if anyone gains knowledge of your previous PIN, he will not be able to use it anymore.
  
• Be careful whenever you swipe your EBT card at a payment terminal. Look out for any suspicious devices, and make sure the card reader appears normal.
  
• Constantly check your purchase receipts and account statements. That way, you will be able to notice any unauthorized transaction immediately.

Ways to Change PIN

Here are several ways for anyone who wants to change his or her PIN:

• Via Phone: Contact the DHS EBT Beneficiary Helpline at 1-888-328-7366 (1-888-EBT-PENN) and provide the required information. This service renders 24/7 assistance.
  
• Via Online: Visit the ConnectEBT website and follow the instructions therein to reset your PIN.
  
• Via Mobile Application: The ConnectEBT App (provided by Conduent)- You can download it from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
  
• myCOMPASS PA App – The official mobile application of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services available in both the Apple and Google Play stores.

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Security Measures Provided by DHS

The new security features provided by the DHS to counter fraud include:

• Simple PINs Blocked: Simple PINs like 1234 or 0000 cannot be used anymore.
• Account Locking: Locking of accounts by beneficiaries wherever fraud is suspected.
• Regular Monitoring with Security Alerts: Monitoring of accounts of beneficiaries of SNAP through the myCOMPASS PA app.

Be alert to Prevent Fraud

In order to secure SNAP benefits, the following must be considered:

• Keep your PIN safe, and keep it away from anybody’s ears.
• If you see an out-of-place transaction notify the DHS as soon as possible.
• Be careful when utilizing an ATM or a POS machine.
• Use a digital wallet or payment app as an extra safeguard against EBT fraud.

Conclusion

By changing their PIN every month and remaining alert, SNAP recipients could keep their benefits safe. This would act as a shield against cunning skimmers and to ensure the timely and intended use of assistance.

DHS advises monitoring the account, protecting the card, and reporting any suspicious activity immediately. Proper usage relies on vigilant SNAP recipients.

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