State Issues EBT Scam Alert
BOSTON — The state issued an alert Tuesday notifying residents that there is currently a scam targeting Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) clients.
DTA reported that scammers are trying to steal EBT benefits. They reiterated that DTA will never ask clients for their EBT number online.
The state agency offered some safety tips:
DTA benefits can be stolen through scams like skimming and phishing.
- Skimming is a type of theft where thieves put a device on a store’s card-swiping machine to copy card information.
- Phishing is where thieves use texts or phone calls to get you to share confidential information about your identity or card information.
The information is then used to make fake EBT cards. These are then used to steal money or SNAP from real accounts.
Skimming can happen anywhere you swipe your EBT card. Most of the time, that means EBT or Credit Card machines and ATMs.
To protect your benefits:
- Change your EBT card PIN before each time you get your DTA benefits
- If you get TAFDC or EAEDC, you can call your case manager to ask about having your benefits deposited to your bank account
- Never provide your personal information, EBT card number, or Personal Identification Number (PIN) to unidentified callers, or to a link provided via text or email
If you think your card and benefits have been stolen, tell DTA right away and change your PIN. Learn how to report fraud.
How to change a PIN:
- Call 800-997-2555 (the number on the back of your card)
- Choose your language
- Enter the number on the front of your card
- Press 2 to PIN your EBT card
- When asked for last 4 of Social Security Number (SSN), enter them. If you do not have an SSN, enter the last 4 digits of your 99 number assigned to you by DTA. If you do not know this 99 number, call the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363
- Enter your Date of Birth (month/day/year – 2 digits for month, 2 digits for day, and 4 digits for year). For example, 12 01 1989 for December 1, 1989
- Enter your NEW 4-digit PIN; then enter it again.?Choose a different PIN from any previous PINs
- Remember to keep your PIN confidential.
Know the Signs of Fraud
EBT/Credit Card Machine
- Look for an overlay. It is bigger than the original machine. The overlay may hide parts of the machine.
ATM Machine
- An overlay device can also be attached to the card reader/keypad on ATMs.
Accompanying videos can be found here.
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