EBT theft: How it happens and what to do if your benefits are stolen

EBT theft is a crime that impacts people nationwide, and it can be a major issue for people who receive benefits like SNAP. A 2025 Propel survey found that 62% of respondents were “very” or “extremely” concerned about EBT theft.

EBT theft often happens through illegal scams like skimmers that steal your data when you swipe your EBT card, or phishing schemes that target people who get government benefits. Here’s what you need to know about how EBT theft works and how you may be able to get your stolen benefits reimbursed if you’re a victim of theft.

How do EBT benefits get stolen?#how-do-ebt-benefits-get-stolen

If you receive benefits like SNAP (also called food stamps) or TANF (also called cash EBT or welfare) on an EBT card, you probably already know about the issue of EBT theft.

Benefits like SNAP are a valuable resource for low-income households, and it can be devastating to lose any of that much-needed financial help to theft. There are a few different ways your EBT card may be vulnerable to theft, even if you always keep your actual card with you.

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Illegal skimmers that target EBT cards#illegal-skimmers-that-target-ebt-cards

When you shop in person with your EBT card, it works a lot like a debit card—except that in almost every state, EBT cards have magnetic stripes and need to be swiped at checkout, unlike debit and credit cards that have tap-to-pay technology. Right now, California is the only state to offer chip-enabled EBT cards.

The magnetic stripes in EBT cards mean they are vulnerable to skimmers, which are illegal devices that look like normal card readers but secretly record your card data, often including your PIN number, when you use them. Then, whoever set up the skimmer has access to your benefits.

Phishing scams that steal EBT benefits#phishing-scams-that-steal-ebt-benefits

Phishing schemes are tactics that scammers use to convince you to give over your EBT card information. They might send you a text, call you on the phone, or send a message through Facebook or WhatsApp pretending to be EBT customer service or a government employee.

Scammers may try to convince you that there is some kind of emergency or urgent issue with your EBT card in order to get you to give over your information, they may even send links that look official.

Can an app like Propel steal my benefits?#can-an-app-like-propel-steal-my-benefits

No, Propel will never steal your benefits. When you use Propel for EBT-balance checking and tracking, the app doesn’t store or have access to your EBT card info. In fact Propel offers security features that can help keep your EBT card safe from theft.

The security options in the Propel app vary by state but you may be able to block out-of-state transactions, set up suspicious transaction monitoring, and lock your card when you’re not using it. You should use whatever Propel security measures are available to you to help keep your card safe from theft.

How to tell if your EBT benefits have been stolen#how-to-tell-if-your-ebt-benefits-have-been-stolen

Signs of EBT theft include unexpected balance discrepancies or transactions you don't recognize. Regularly monitoring your EBT account can help spot unauthorized use early.

Apps like ebtEDGE, ConnectEBT, and Propel help you track your EBT card balance and activity to monitor your benefits.

Can you get stolen EBT benefits reimbursed?#can-you-get-stolen-ebt-benefits-reimbursed

Unfortunately the answer may be no—the U.S. government did not extend the EBT theft reimbursement window in 2024, so there is generally no replacement available for any theft that happened after December 20, 2024.

However some states have continued reimbursement—if you live in California or Maryland and your benefits were stolen from your EBT card, you should contact a caseworker to see if reimbursement is available.No matter where you live, you should report EBT theft immediately to have a record of what happened.

Call the customer service line on your EBT card or use our state EBT guides to find your state's instructions for reporting theft. Documenting unauthorized transactions can help your case. Expect to provide detailed information about the theft, including any evidence of fraudulent activity.

How can I protect my EBT benefits from theft?#how-can-i-protect-my-ebt-benefits-from-theft

Unfortunately EBT cards lack some of the security features offered by credit and debit cards, but there are still some steps you can take to try to keep your benefits safe.

1. Protect your EBT card PIN number#1-protect-your-ebt-card-pin-number

Protect your EBT card just like you would a bank card: Keep your PIN secret and hide the PIN pad from other people when you’re entering your PIN.

Never share your PIN number with a store employee while you’re shopping. And be sure to change your PIN before your SNAP benefits arrive each month.

2. Check for card skimmers before you swipe your EBT card#2-check-for-card-skimmers-before-you-swipe-your-ebt-card

When you’re using your EBT card, check card readers at checkout or ATMs for signs of a skimming device, like glue marks, damaged or loose parts, or buttons on the keypad that are off-center or hard to push.

Before you put your card into the machine, wiggle it to see if anything is loose. If you don't feel comfortable, you can ask the cashier to check for you.

3. Look out for suspicious activity#3-look-out-for-suspicious-activity

Awareness and vigilance are key defenses against EBT theft. EBT cards don’t have banks monitoring suspicious activity for you like credit cards or debit cards do.

Always be alert for charges you don’t recognize, and think twice before responding to texts or calls about your EBT card that could be scams.

4. Report anything unusual#4-report-anything-unusual

If you see an unfamiliar transaction, call your state’s EBT hotline number right away. Your state may require you to change your PIN, report your card stolen, or request a new card.

5. Turn on security features in the Propel app#5-turn-on-security-features-in-the-propel-app

If EBT card lock and unlock features or out-of-state and online transaction blocking are available in your state, turn them on in the Propel app to help keep your benefits safe.