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Governor Mike Braun
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SNAP benefit fraud by card skimming, card cloning and other similar methods

The Family and Social Services Administration Division of Family Resources is working closely with our federal partners, SNAP retailers, EBT processors, and other industry experts to protect SNAP benefits and combat SNAP fraud by card skimming, card cloning and other similar methods. Fraud will not be tolerated as SNAP benefit theft victimizes Hoosiers who rely on these benefits to feed their families.

The State cannot replace stolen SNAP benefits at this time. Congress passed a Continuing Resolution, signed by the President on December 21, 2024, that did not include replacement of stolen SNAP benefits from card skimming, card cloning, and/or other similar methods. Any SNAP benefits stolen from December 21, 2024, forward cannot be replaced.

EBT Card Lock is now available to prevent unauthorized use of EBT Cards

How to lock your EBT card
As an added protection SNAP Benefit members now have the ability to lock and unlock your EBT card if you believe you are at risk of having your benefits stolen via card skimming, card cloning, and other similar methods.  To lock and unlock your card please follow the steps below:

  • To lock and unlock your card:
    1. Go to https://www.connectebt.com/inebtclient/
    2. Create an account if you do not have one, OR, log in with your user ID and Password
    3. Click on “Lock/Unlock” within the portal
    4. To lock your card, select “lock my card everywhere” then click SUBMIT
    5. To unlock your card, select “unlock my card” then click SUBMIT

SNAP participant tips and resources

  • SNAP benefits cannot be replaced. Card lock is the only way to protect your benefits.
  • Avoid simple PINs. Number combinations such as 1111, 1234 or 9876 may be easy for others to guess.
  • Keep your PIN and card number secret. Do not share your PIN or card number with anyone outside your household. Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN on a machine.
  • Beware of phishing. State agencies and EBT processors will never call or text to ask for your PIN or card number. Do not respond to calls or text messages requesting EBT card numbers or PIN, etc.
  • Change your PIN often. Consider changing your PIN immediately after every use.
  • If your card was skimmed, your PIN was also taken.

How to report stolen benefits (TANF only)

If you believe your TANF benefits have been stolen, please email EBTfraud@fssa.in.gov and provide your name telephone number ONLY. Those who ask to be reimbursed will be required to submit an affidavit that benefits were stolen. The only benefits eligible for replacement are those stolen via skimming/cloning. DFR is not authorized to replace benefits stolen in any other manner.

If it is determined an individual’s TANF benefits were stolen via card skimming, card cloning, and other similar methods, a reimbursement will be issued. A decision will be made within 10 days of receiving the completed and signed affidavit days regarding whether benefits will be replaced. A notice will be mailed with a decision. If denied, a reason will be provided, if approved, the amount of approved replacement will be indicated.

Resources for SNAP retailers

  • Inspect point of sale machines/PIN pads regularly (at least daily) to look for tampering.
  • Use surveillance cameras to monitor the POS machine/PIN pad and cash register area.
  • Do not allow unscheduled service visits.
  • Train employees to be aware of suspicious customer behavior.
  • Talk to your POS machine/PIN pad provider about the most secure POS equipment for your store and resources to help you prevent card skimming.
  • If you find a card skimmer or detect tampering, contact local police, your POS equipment provider, and the USDA Office of Inspector General Hotline at 800-424-9121.

Outreach materials

To help raise awareness of skimming devices please, please consider sharing and posting the resources below.

Questions and Answers

  • How are SNAP benefits skimmed?

    Thieves place an illegal device on an ATM or a retailer’s card-swiping machine to copy EBT card information. This is called card skimming. Card skimming can also happen to people using a magnetic stripe to make purchases with a credit or debit card.

    Criminals can then use the information to make fake EBT cards. This is called card cloning. Thieves use the fake cards to purchase food and beverages from SNAP-authorized stores using stolen SNAP benefits.

    Sophisticated computer programs are also used by criminals to access EBT card numbers and PINS.

  • What is the state doing to stop card skimming and protect SNAP recipients?

    Indiana is working with USDA/Food and Nutrition Service, and our EBT processor to determine what enhanced card security options are available and how the state can implement those options.  We are also working on educating EBT customers and retailers regarding the risks and prevalence of EBT fraud.

  • Is the state working with law enforcement to hold criminals accountable?

    The FNS Office of Retailer Operations and Compliance, Special Investigations Unit has responded to numerous complaints of cloned and skimmed SNAP EBT cards throughout the country. FNS supports federal law enforcement by identifying suspicious EBT transactions and sharing locations where thieves are attempting to use cloned cards in real time. Indiana will cooperate with FNS and law enforcement agencies who are investigating complaints of benefits stolen from EBT cards.

  • Where is benefit theft happening and how often?

    Although we are aware of reports of benefit theft in some areas of the state, DFR currently does not have comprehensive data on the number of incidents; however, DFR is collecting all reported incidents of card skimming to better understand the magnitude of card skimming in Indiana.

  • Are any states using SNAP EBT cards with a chip?

    No states currently issue SNAP EBT cards with a chip.

  • Do stores that participate in SNAP have a separate point-of-sale terminal to accept EBT cards?

    No. SNAP EBT payments are generally integrated with other payment systems and use the same POS machine that is used for credit or debit card payments.

  • How do I report that my TANF benefits have been stolen?

    Email EBTfraud@fssa.in.gov and provide your name and telephone number ONLY.

  • How will I know if my benefits will be replaced?

    If we need any follow-up information, we will contact you using the phone number that you provided. Once a decision is made, you will receive a notice in the mail. If your claim is denied, a reason for denial will be provided. If the claim is approved, the amount of replacement that you will receive will be indicated.