Las Vegas, NV April 11, 2024
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) skimming and cloning is a nationwide problem that is rapidly growing, and the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) encourages Nevadans to safeguard their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from theft.
The Division has seen a significant increase in EBT theft in the month of April, but customers can submit a claim to have funds replaced.
Last July, the agency received approval from the federal government to replace benefits stolen through skimming, cloning or other fraudulent methods. Since that time, the Division has received about 200 claims per month. Claims for April 2024 have increased to about 1,500 claims from the first of the month through April 10.
DWSS suggests the following prevention tips to minimize the risk of being a victim of stolen benefits.
- Use only the DWSS approved EBT Edge app or website
- EBT Edge allows the user to freeze or lock the EBT card when not in use
- EBT Edge also allows the user to block online and out-of-state purchases as needed
- Change your PIN monthly before your benefit issuance date
- Avoid simple PINs such as dates of birth, part of your social security number or easily guessed PINs like 1234, or 9876
- Do not share your PIN with anyone outside your household and keep both your EBT card number and PIN a secret
- Do not respond to phone calls or text messages asking for your EBT card number or PIN
- Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized transactions
Customers that have been victimized by these cybercriminals can report benefit theft in person at any welfare office, by phone (702) 486-1875 (Southern Nevada) or (775) 448-5211 (Northern Nevada), email irreferral@dwss.nv.gov or online. Claim forms must be completed within 10 business days of the report. For additional information on how to report EBT fraud, and best practices for protecting yourself from fraud can be found on the DWSS website.