EBT Skimming Reaches Crisis Proportions

C.G. Hoffman

The scourge of EBT skimming by Food Stamp scammers has reached crisis proportions, city officials say. In the last 6 months, more than 61,000 New Yorkers have submitted claims that they have been defrauded of their food stamp benefits, and so far $19 million has been recovered.

The fraud happens when thieves steal users’ personal information and money by secretly installing devices on card readers. When the hapless victims swipe their cards and enter their PIN numbers, the devices copy the information. The thieves then empty the cards of their funds, causing many to lose their complete food budgets for the month.

The fraud happens silently and often without any knowledge on the victims’ part. Then, when victims use their cards at grocery stores, they are told that they are out of funds when they had been full previously.

Victims should call their local SNAP office immediately to report their cards as stolen and to receive new cards. To get reimbursed for stolen EBT funds, residents must file claims online with the Department of Social Services or call 718-557-1399.