How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?

With phishing and spam attacks on the rise, it is important to recognize how thieves operate. Understanding their methods helps you take the right steps to protect your benefits before it is too late.

How EBT Benefits Are Stolen

Thieves use card skimmers at checkouts to clone your card and PIN. They also send fake texts and make calls pretending to be from DWSS to trick you into sharing your card number. Fake websites that look like the official EBT portal are also used to steal login information. A regular check EBT balance in Nevada can help you spot fraud early.

Reporting Stolen Benefits

If you see an unauthorized charge after you check Nevada EBT balance, report it. A program replacing benefits stolen on or before September 30, 2024, has ended. Benefits stolen on or after December 20, 2024, are not replaceable under current rules. You should still:

1. Lock your card and call DWSS Investigations.

2. File a theft report within ten business days.

Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them

Beyond security threats, other common card issues can disrupt your shopping. Knowing how to handle declined transactions, locked cards, or read errors can save you time and frustration at checkout.

Declined Transactions

A transaction might be denied for several reasons, most often due to insufficient funds or an attempt to buy an ineligible item. An incorrect PIN entry can also cause a denial. A quick EBT balance check in Nevada can often clarify the problem before you get to the register.

• Check your balance by calling the EBT hotline, looking at your last receipt, or using an app like Benny.

• Ask the cashier to separate the transaction, allowing you to pay for ineligible items with another payment method.

• If you entered the wrong PIN, try the transaction again, making sure to choose “EBT” on the keypad.

Locked Card After Incorrect PIN Attempts

For security, your EBT card will automatically lock if the wrong PIN is entered three times in a row. This lock prevents any further use of the card until it resets, which typically happens shortly after midnight. You can check Nevada EBT balance from your last receipt to confirm no fraudulent activity occurred during the lockout.

• Call EBT customer service at 1-866-281-2443 to reset your PIN through the automated system.

• Log into the EBT Edge portal to change your PIN online.

• When creating a new PIN, avoid using easily guessable numbers like your birthdate.

Card Read Errors

Sometimes a point-of-sale terminal cannot read your card, displaying an “Invalid Card” or “Read Error” message. This usually means the magnetic stripe is dirty or scratched, or the card itself is expired. Before you check EBT balance in Nevada, it is best to inspect the card first.

• Gently wipe the magnetic stripe with a soft cloth. If that fails, ask the cashier to manually enter the card number.

• If the card is visibly damaged or expired, call customer service to request a free replacement. It typically arrives in 7-10 business days.