How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?

Phishing and spam attacks are on the rise across Florida, targeting EBT cardholders with increasing sophistication. Scammers use a variety of deceptive tactics to steal benefits. Recognizing these methods is the first step toward protecting your account and taking action on time.

How EBT Benefits Are Stolen

Thieves use several common methods to access your benefits, often combining physical and digital tactics. The fastest-growing threats are skimming and cloning, where criminals attach illegal devices to card readers at stores or ATMs to steal your card's data and PIN. This happened to cardholders in Jacksonville whose accounts were drained after a single purchase.

You may also receive fraudulent text messages or robocalls claiming your card is locked, urging you to call a fake number and provide your card details. Scammers also use email and social media to post fake offers for extra SNAP benefits, directing you to phishing websites that mimic the official EBT login page to steal your credentials.

What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen

If you discover unauthorized charges or suspect fraud, you must take immediate steps to secure your account. Prompt reporting is necessary to prevent further losses.

1. Immediately freeze your card through the ebtEDGE portal or mobile app.

2. Change your PIN to a new, hard-to-guess number.

3. Report the theft by calling the EBT customer service number printed on the back of your card.

Regarding replacement, a federally funded program allowed Florida to reimburse stolen SNAP benefits. However, this program ended on December 20, 2024. According to the Stolen SNAP Benefits FAQ, reimbursements are no longer available for thefts that occur after this date unless the program is renewed by Congress.

Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them

Beyond security threats, everyday technical glitches can disrupt your access to benefits. Knowing how to troubleshoot common card problems, from a worn-out magnetic stripe to a forgotten PIN, can help you resolve issues quickly and avoid frustration at the checkout counter.

Card Will Not Swipe, Tap, or Insert

A worn magnetic stripe, a cracked chip, or physical damage from bending or water can prevent a POS terminal from reading your card. Sometimes, the issue might be with the store's card reader rather than your EBT card itself.

• Inspect the card for visible damage like cracks or deep scratches.

• Try using a different checkout lane to rule out a faulty card reader.

• If the card is damaged, call Florida EBT Customer Service at 1-888-356-3281 to request a free replacement, which typically arrives in five to seven business days.

• While waiting for your new card, ask the cashier if they can manually enter the card number for your purchase.

PIN Errors and Account Lockouts

Entering the wrong PIN four times in a single day will automatically lock your EBT account as a security measure. The card will become usable again at midnight, but repeated mistakes can be a major inconvenience when you're trying to shop.

• Check the keypad to make sure it isn’t sticking or accidentally registering a digit twice.

• If you’ve forgotten your PIN, call 1-888-356-3281 and follow the prompts to change it. You will need your card number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

• After creating a new PIN, consider testing it at an ATM to confirm it works before your next shopping trip.

Transaction Declined at Checkout

A declined transaction often happens for one of two reasons: your purchase total exceeds your available balance, or your cart contains items that are not eligible for SNAP, such as hot foods, vitamins, or alcohol.

• Confirm your current EBT balance by checking your last grocery receipt, calling customer service, or logging into the EBT Edge Cardholder Portal. You can also check your real-time balance with the Benny mobile app.

• Ask the cashier to separate your items, paying for SNAP-eligible groceries with your EBT card and using another payment method for the rest.

• If the decline is unexpected, review your recent transaction history online or by phone to check for any unfamiliar purchases. You can find more EBT card information on the Department of Children and Families website.