Department of Social Services Warns Missourians of Surge in EBT Card Fraud…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 3, 2024

CONTACT: [email protected]

JEFFERSON CITY, MO - The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) Family Support Division (FSD) is alerting all SNAP participants about a concerning increase in theft related to skimming and cloning of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Many Missouri residents have reported their benefits being stolen, with most incidents occurring in stores outside the state.

To safeguard their benefits, participants are strongly encouraged to use the ebtEDGE app on their mobile devices, which offers the following features:

• Freeze benefits: Temporarily disable their benefits when not in use, preventing unauthorized spending.
• Block Out-of-State Transactions: Ensure that benefits can only be used within Missouri.
• Change PIN: Easily and quickly change their PIN, enhancing the security of their card.

Unlike other third-party apps, the ebtEDGE app provides these essential protections. It is the only application that allows users to block out-of-state transactions, freeze their benefits, and change their PIN. The ebtEDGE app can be downloaded in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

DSS recognizes the impact these crimes can have on families who depend on their benefits. If SNAP benefits have been stolen via skimming, cloning, or phishing, individuals may submit an Electronically Stolen Benefit Replacement Request formwithin 30 days to determine eligibility for replacement benefits. Please note that funding for the replacement of electronically stolen SNAP benefits will end on December 20, 2024. FSD will continue to process claims for benefits stolen through these methods if they occurred on or before December 20, 2024.

For more information on protecting your benefits, please visit the DSS website.