SNAP

Propel's EBT security features

Table of contents

Our commitment to keeping users safe#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?#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.

Learn more about EBT theft.

Learn about Propel's security features#learn-about-propels-security-features

Blocking out-of-state transactions#blocking-out-of-state-transactions

The Propel app with the EBT security feature for out-of-state transaction blocking turned on

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.

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

If this feature is available in your state, you can enable it by clicking this link on mobile, or by navigating to EBT card settings in your app.

Suspicious transaction monitoring#suspicious-transaction-monitoring

The Propel app showing an EBT transaction detail that has been flagged as suspicious

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


Currently 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 (CA & OK only)#card-locking-ca-and-ok-only

The Propel app with the EBT security feature for card locking turned on

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#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.