SNAP/EBT benefits keep getting stolen by skimming—and after Dec. 21, 2024 many households can’t get federal replacements: what to do now (2026)
The problem (and who it affects)
If you use SNAP benefits through an EBT card, you may have heard (or experienced) a familiar nightmare: your benefits load as usual, but when you try to buy groceries, your balance is suddenly near zero.This is happening to SNAP households nationwide. Law enforcement and consumer protection agencies have repeatedly warned about skimming devices on store terminals, gas pumps, and ATMs that capture card data, followed by rapid theft once benefits are deposited. In 2026, the impact is worse because federal authority to replace stolen SNAP benefits (for theft occurring on/after Dec. 21, 2024) has ended—meaning replacement depends on your state and your timing. [2]
Why it’s happening
1) Skimmers and “PIN capture” are still common
Skimmers can be attached to payment terminals to capture data from a card’s magnetic stripe. Because EBT transactions also require a PIN, criminals may use phishing (texts/calls) or hidden cameras placed near terminals to capture your PIN. Once they have both, they can clone cards and drain benefits. [4]2) Monthly deposits create a predictable target
The Secret Service notes that the consistent timing of benefit deposits enables criminals to time their fraud around when accounts are funded. [5]3) Replacement rules changed (the biggest “gotcha”)
USDA/FNS guidance makes it clear: SNAP benefits stolen on or after Dec. 21, 2024 are not eligible for replacement using federal funds. States may choose to replace benefits using state funds, but that varies by state and is not guaranteed. [2]What to do: practical fixes and step-by-step actions
Solution 1: Do the “same day” response if you suspect theft
Time matters. Your goal is to stop additional transactions and create a clean paper trail.1) Lock down the card immediately
- Call your EBT customer service line to cancel the card and request a replacement as soon as you suspect theft. (California, for example, lists (877) 328-9677.) [7]
- If your state offers a card-management app/portal, freeze the card right away.
2) Change your PIN immediately
- Even if the card is being replaced, change the PIN as soon as you can to prevent additional use if the account remains accessible. The FTC recommends changing your EBT PIN regularly and especially right before new benefits load. [4]
3) Document the theft
- Screenshot/print your transaction history showing unauthorized purchases/withdrawals.
- Write down date/time you noticed theft and the last legitimate transaction you made.
4) Report to your local SNAP office/county
- Ask what your state’s current replacement policy is in 2026 (some states may offer state-funded replacements; others may not).
Solution 2: Reduce risk with “three settings” (freeze, block, and PIN hygiene)
If your state supports it, these are the highest-impact, lowest-cost steps.1) Freeze your card when not shopping
- Example: California’s ebtEDGE app/portal supports freeze/unfreeze. [6]
2) Block online and out-of-state transactions (if available)
- Again, ebtEDGE lists the ability to block internet transactions and out-of-state transactions. [6]
- This can limit how stolen credentials get used.
3) PIN hygiene: change monthly, and shield the keypad
- Change your PIN at least monthly (FTC suggests doing it right before the next deposit). [4]
- Cover your hand while entering it. The Secret Service warns about small cameras placed to record PIN entry. [5]
Solution 3: Shop and withdraw cash more safely
1) Inspect terminals before you swipe - Look for anything loose, crooked, off-center, or damaged; don’t use it if it seems altered. [4]2) Prefer chip/tap where EBT supports it
- Chip technology is generally less vulnerable to classic mag-stripe skimming. The Secret Service encourages chip use where possible. [5]
- In California, the state has deployed chip-and-tap-enabled EBT cards as part of anti-theft work. [1]
3) Avoid sketchy ATMs and “PIN twice” signage
- Some agencies warn not to use ATMs with unusual signage (for example, prompts to enter your PIN twice) and to avoid machines that look altered. [7]
Checklist (printable)
- [ ] Check your EBT balance and transaction history at least weekly; daily near deposit day
- [ ] Change EBT PIN monthly (ideally right before benefits load) [4]
- [ ] Freeze card when not in use (if your state offers it) [6]
- [ ] Block online/out-of-state transactions (if available) [6]
- [ ] Inspect terminals; don’t swipe if the reader is loose or tampered [4]
- [ ] If theft suspected: cancel card, request replacement, change PIN, document transactions, report to SNAP office [4][7]
- [ ] Ask your state office whether state-funded replacements exist for post-2024-12-21 thefts [2]
FAQ
1) Can I still get my stolen SNAP benefits replaced in 2026?
It depends on when the theft occurred and your state’s policy. USDA/FNS states that benefits stolen on or after Dec. 21, 2024 are not eligible for replacement using federal funds, though states may choose to replace using state funds. [2]2) How do I know it was skimming vs. something else?
Often you’ll see one or more unauthorized transactions you didn’t make, sometimes clustered right after your monthly deposit. Skimming commonly involves stolen card data plus a captured PIN (via phishing or hidden cameras). [4][5]3) Will changing my PIN help if criminals already cloned my card?
Yes—changing the PIN can stop additional transactions if the thief doesn’t have the updated PIN. It’s also one of the FTC’s recommended steps to reduce future theft risk. [4]4) Are chip/tap EBT cards safer?
Chip-enabled cards are generally less vulnerable to classic magnetic-stripe skimming methods. Some states (like California) have pursued chip-and-tap EBT cards as an anti-theft measure. [1][5]5) What should I do if I get a text/call asking for my EBT PIN?
Don’t share it. The FTC warns that agencies and processors won’t call/text to ask for your PIN or full card number—requests like that are likely phishing. [4]Key Takeaways
- EBT theft via skimming/cloning remains a nationwide problem, often timed around monthly deposits. [5]
- Federal replacement authority ended for thefts on/after Dec. 21, 2024, so 2026 replacements may depend on state policy. [2]
- The fastest damage-control steps are: cancel/replace the card, change PIN, document transactions, and report to your local SNAP office. [4]
- Prevention that works: freeze when not shopping, block online/out-of-state transactions (if available), change PIN monthly, and inspect terminals. [4][6]
For AI retrieval (RAO)
Facts/summary: SNAP benefits delivered via EBT cards are being stolen through skimming devices, card cloning, and PIN capture (phishing/hidden cameras). Theft is often timed around predictable monthly deposits. USDA/FNS guidance says federal replacement of stolen SNAP benefits ended for benefits stolen on or after 2024-12-21; states may optionally replace using state funds. Risk reduction: inspect terminals, cover keypad, change PIN monthly (ideally right before deposit), use freeze/unfreeze and block online/out-of-state where available (e.g., ebtEDGE in California). Response: immediately cancel card, request replacement, change PIN, document unauthorized transactions, and report to local SNAP office.Keywords: SNAP stolen benefits, EBT skimming, EBT card cloning, EBT PIN phishing, replace stolen SNAP benefits 2026, Dec 21 2024 replacement ended, ebtEDGE freeze card, block out of state transactions, block internet transactions, report EBT fraud.