DCF Aware of EBT Card Skimming Event in Wichita
Cardholders urged to take preventative measures to safeguard accounts
Topeka, Kan. – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is aware of a recent event where a skimming device was used in a Wichita store resulting in the theft of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from 46 Kansas households.
Ongoing investigation; what is known at this time
During an investigation by DCF, it was discovered a skimming device had been placed on a point of sale terminal at a Wichita store to steal Kansas Benefits Card (electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card) information. That stolen information was then used to drain the SNAP benefits from the cards. The impacted cards were all used at the same store.
Currently, this event is affecting 46 SNAP recipients with a total of approximately $9,800 in stolen SNAP benefits. The investigation is ongoing and DCF is working with law enforcement on this case.
Affected cardholders should receive notice in the mail. Cardholders with Self-Service Portal (SSP) accounts who have opted in to receive communications will also get a text message or email prompting them to review a message in the portal. Affected cardholders will receive new Kansas Benefits Cards mailed to their homes.
Skimmers are devices criminals use to steal data from credit, debit and EBT cards. These devices are illegally placed on point-of-sale terminals to capture card data. The criminals then use the data to create fake cards and make illegal purchases. Criminals may use the stolen card information to make purchases in other states because skimming events are often part of a larger theft ring.
How to help prevent EBT card theft
Stolen benefits cannot be replaced. DCF strongly encourages cardholders to use the free ebtEDGE app from DCF’s EBT contractor, Fidelity Information Services (FIS), or the ebtEDGE Cardholder Portal at
ebtedge.com to monitor their account and help further safeguard their benefits by using the following features:
- Freeze the EBT card when not using it. Cardholders must unfreeze the card when they are ready to make a purchase.
- Block out-of-state and online transactions. Cardholders will have to unblock these transactions when they want to make an out-of-state or online purchase.
- Regularly change the four-digit PIN and use number combinations that are not easy for others to figure out. For example, don’t use birthdays or anniversaries.
Third-party EBT apps do not provide the same protection features as ebtEDGE. The ebtEDGE app can be accessed in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Cardholders are also encouraged to beware of phishing attempts, and they should not share their card info or the PIN over the phone or via text message. DCF and FIS will never call or text cardholders and explicitly ask for their card number or PIN. Learn more about protecting EBT cards at
ebtcards.dcf.ks.gov.
What should cardholders do if they suspect their card has been compromised?
If a cardholder suspects their EBT card has been compromised,
ebtedge.com.
Will stolen benefits be replaced?
Federally funded replacement for stolen SNAP and TANF benefits ended in December 2024. In addition, there is no state money available for reimbursement. This means stolen SNAP and TANF benefits cannot be replaced.
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