Propel's EBT security features

Hand holding phone with showing the Propel app.
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Our commitment to keeping users safe

EBT theft is on the rise, and we’ve been hard at work building powerful security features to protect our users from this terrible crime.

First, let's revisit EBT theft, what causes it, and what to look out for.

How does EBT theft happen?

Scammers steal people’s benefits by getting their EBT card information. There are a few different ways they do this, but most happen in-person.

Scammers can hide “skimming” devices on credit card machines and steal EBT card numbers and PINs when EBT cards are swiped. Then, they make copies of EBT cards, resulting in the theft of food stamps and cash benefits. Many of these unauthorized purchases happen out of state.

Scammers also send phony text messages to SNAP recipients. The text messages ask to call or text a fake phone number and usually have a high level of urgency. Sometimes, they promise that answering the text will result in a prize, or there’s a consequence if the recipient doesn’t reply. These texts are scams, and no one should ever respond to them.

When it comes to EBT theft, prevention is the best way to stay safe.

Blocking out-of-state transactions

EBT theft often happens through unauthorized out-of-state transactions. After skimming someone's EBT card at a local store, the funds are often spent out-of-state.

Propel users can turn on out-of-state transaction blocking, which automatically prevents any transactions from taking place outside of that user’s home state. We recommend that our users keep this setting turned on at all times, unless they have plans to travel out of state or frequently cross state lines.

Only available in AK, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GU, HI, ID, IL, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, NY, OR, RI, SD, VI, VT, WA, WI, WV, and WY.

Suspicious transaction monitoring

We’ve introduced a better way to detect suspicious activity. Propel reviews past EBT transactions for any suspicious activity. If we find anything unusual, we send users an alert to confirm whether the transaction came from them, or if it needs attention.

"[This feature] will stop me from having to check a million times a day because it will let me know when something suspicious is going on. It will make me feel more secure. Just one less thing for me to have to worry about."

Propel user, 5/15/2024


Only available in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, GU, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MI, MS, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, PR, SC, TN, TX, UT, and VA.

This feature is exclusive to the Propel app.

Card locking (California only)

All Propel app users in California can lock (freeze) their card in the app, and easily unlock, whenever they need to buy something.

We recommend that users always keep their card locked when not in use. This helps ensure that no one (including a criminal who skimmed EBT card information) can spend a user's benefits until it is unlocked.

If you already have the Propel app and live in CA,  open this link on mobile to go directly to EBT card settings and lock your card.

Protecting sensitive information

We’re firmly committed to protecting our users’ sensitive information. We ask for as little login information as possible, and do not store PINs, full EBT card numbers, or SSNs on our servers or in the app. We keep our users’ data safe, and all data sent between the Propel app and our users’ state EBT portals is encrypted, end-to-end.

We’re continuing to expand these features, and exploring new opportunities to protect our users from EBT theft. If you have feature suggestions or feedback, get in touch with our team. We’d love to hear how else we can make the app a safer, more secure experience.