Residents urged to protect their EBT cards against skimming devices

A convenience store advertises that they except EBT cards.

A convenience store advertises that they except EBT cards. Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images

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By Wesley Muller,
Louisiana Illuminator
 

Connecting state and local government leaders

By Wesley Muller,
Louisiana Illuminator

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Local and federal authorities are investigating the electronic skimming devices that can steal a cardholder’s account details, including their PIN code. 

This story was originally published by Louisiana Illuminator.

Anyone in Louisiana with an EBT card for food stamp benefits needs to immediately change their personal identification numbers — or PIN codes — or they risk losing their money after authorities found card skimmers at multiple retailers across the state, according to the state Department of Children and Family Services.

Local and federal authorities are investigating the electronic skimming devices that can steal a cardholder’s account details, including their PIN code. 

As a precaution, DCFS is sending text alerts directly to EBT cardholders urging users to change their codes immediately. For ongoing protection, DCFS also advises cardholders to update their PIN every 30 days to help safeguard their benefits.  

Electronic benefits transfer cards are similar to bank debit cards for those who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, what was once known as food stamps.  

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To change a card’s PIN code, visit www.LifeInCheckEBT.com or call the EBT customer service line at (888) 997-1117 as soon as possible. Select a unique PIN that is not easily guessable, avoiding common patterns or personal information.

The state reminds EBT recipients that no one from DCFS or Inmar, its card vendor, will ever call asking for their card number or PIN code. Anyone who receives a call requesting that kind of information should notify DCFS with the caller’s phone number. 

If a cardholder has already provided their information to someone by mistake, they must immediately request a new EBT card and change their PIN to protect their benefits.

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Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com. Follow Louisiana Illuminator on Facebook and X.

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