PA SNAP Recipients Urged To Change Passwords Immediately

PENNSYLVANIA — Increases in card skimming thefts have prompted warnings from state officials to people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to change their EBT card PINs immediately.

The Department of Human Services and the Office of State Inspector General also are urging people to change their PINs monthly before their SNAP benefit distribution as thieves often strike right after a monthly benefits program is made.

The recommendations come amid nationwide instances of SNAP theft, especially those involving card skimming instances in which benefits are stolen off EBT cards after skimming at a point-of-sale machine. But officials say the actual theft of benefits rarely happens right away – thieves often hold on to stolen EBT card information until monthly distributions occur, when larger amounts of benefits can be stolen.

“We are constantly working to ensure that the benefits DHS administers stay with the Pennsylvanians who need them. The Department of Human Services is aware of skimming incidents that have been targeting SNAP recipients – card skimming and SNAP theft have been issues nationwide,” DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh said in a news release.

“Do not become a victim of this crime. Make sure you change your PIN every month, and when you swipe your EBT card at a card reader, please make sure a skimming device is not attached.”

The Department of Human Services refers suspected cases of SNAP theft to the Office of State Inspector General to investigate further.

“OSIG is hard at work investigating instances of skimming across Pennsylvania and prosecuting the criminals involved,” State Inspector General Michelle Henry said. “We urge Pennsylvanians to remain diligent and follow the steps outlined here to protect their SNAP benefits from skimming."

Here's how people should be on the lookout for skimming devices:

• Observe the size. Skimming devices are often placed over the legitimate card reader, making them larger and thicker than legitimate card readers.

• Skimming devices are often attached with glue or tape.

• Pull at the edges of the keypad before entering your PIN.

• Look for security stickers. Some legitimate devices may have a security label or holographic decal on the front or top of the card reader.

There are various ways for SNAP recipients to change their password:

• By Phone: DHS' EBT Recipient Hotline is available at 1-888-EBT-PENN (1-888-328-7366) and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• Online: Users can change their PIN online through DHS’ EBT contractor, Conduent, via their Connect EBT website.

• Via Mobile App: Users can also change their PIN online through two separate apps:

• Conduent’s secure ConnectEBT app, available for free on Apple and GooglePlay app stores.

• DHS’ myCOMPASS PA mobile app, Pennsylvania’s official, safe, and secure mobile app, available for free on Apple and GooglePlay app stores. SNAP recipients can also monitor their SNAP benefits and transactions regularly through the myCOMPASS PA mobile app.