For more information about stolen benefits, click here.
To submit a claim for replacement of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and/or other cash assistance benefits that were stolen from your EBT card due to illegal card skimming, cloning, or similar fraudulent methods, click here.
Your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how you access your benefits, and it is important to keep it safe. The tips below will help you turn on security settings to stop unauthorized transactions, secure your PIN, and make sure no one can get your card details while you shop. These steps can help stop thieves from getting your benefits.
Use ebtEDGE Card Security Features
- ebtEDGE is DC’s only official mobile app and website to get real time account information and access card security features
- Card security options can be added or removed in either the ebtEDGE mobile app or the Cardholder Portal on ebtedge.com to prevent unauthorized transactions
- You can freeze your card to prevent all transactions until you unfreeze it
- You can block all out of state and/or online transactions until you remove the block
Secure Your PIN
- Change your PIN frequently
- For the best protection, change your PIN every month before benefits are issued
- Do not reuse any PIN that you used previously for the same card and do not use easy to guess PINS like 1111 or 1234
- Do not tell anyone your PIN, and do not write your PIN down anywhere
- If you think your card information was stolen, call FIS at 888-304-9167 to change your PIN to protect your benefits
Protect Your Card
- If possible, only use your card in well lit, indoor locations
- Inspect the terminal before your inserting card
- Check the card reader for anything loose, crooked, damaged, or scratched, and pull at the edges of the keypad
- If anything is suspicious, do not use the machine
- Report it to the store immediately and also notify law enforcement
- Always cover the keypad when entering the PIN
- Find more information on how to recognize and report card skimming devices here
Last Updated:
April 30, 2025