New security features recently implemented by the Department of Human Services and the Office of State Inspector General are allowing people who receive public benefits to lock their electronic benefit transfer cards when not in use to prevent their information from being used to commit fraud.
The EBT cards, which are used for benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other cash benefits, have been the recent targets of fraud in Luzerne County and across the state, with Wilkes-Barre Twp. police warning residents earlier this year about card-skimming devices found at the Walmart at the Wilkes-Barre Twp. Marketplace.
In March, township police charged Florin Doroiman, an alleged member of a Romanian organized crime syndicate, with installing skimming devices that helped him obtain about 4,600 account numbers, including more than 1,000 accounts with SNAP.
The new changes to the program seek to prevent card information that is stolen in such a manner from being used to complete fraudulent purchases.
“We are proud to announce this new card lock safety feature that allows you to lock your EBT card when not in use to protect your SNAP and cash benefits from skimming and theft,” health department Secretary Val Arkoosh said in a statement. “I encourage all Pennsylvanians who receive SNAP or other cash benefits to download the free, secure ConnectEBT app and take advantage of the easy-to-use locking feature today.”
The ConnectEBT application allows users to block all purchases, balance inquiries and other transactions when the card is not in use, preventing the funds from being used for fraud.
The free app — available on the Apple and GooglePlay app stores as well as the Connect EBT website — offers the ability for users to lock their cards in two ways.
The “Lock My Card Everywhere” feature prevents any purchases from taking place, while the “Lock My Card Outside PA” feature stops any transactions that take place at stores outside Pennsylvania. That option still allows for internet purchases to occur, officials said.
State officials said users should simply use the app to unlock the card prior to making a purchase and then relock it when the card is not in use. The app also provides an option to automatically lock users’ cards after 30, 60 or 90 minutes.
In a statement, state Inspector General Michelle Henry said her office is committed to protecting Pennsylvania’s public benefits programs.
“The new card lock feature is one way SNAP recipients can protect their benefits against theft and continue to put food on their table,” Henry said. “(The Office of Inspector General) is proud to partner with DHS on the announcement of the EBT card lock feature which provides an extra layer of security for these life-sustaining benefits.”
Benefit recipients are still encouraged to be wary of skimming devices while making purchases and to check terminals purchase terminals to ensure no skimming devices are attached.
Customers are warned that thefts often don’t immediately happen after a card is compromised — thieves often gather the card and PIN information and then use it after the next deposit hits.
Recipients can monitor their benefits and transactions via the state’s free myCOMPASS PA mobile app.
Stolen SNAP benefits should be reported to local police and replacement EBT cards can be obtained by calling 888-328-7366.