How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?

Phishing and spam attacks are on the rise across Missouri, targeting EBT users with increasing sophistication. These scams can appear as fraudulent emails, text messages, or even cloned websites designed to steal your information. Recognizing these threats is the first step toward protecting your benefits and taking swift action when necessary.

How EBT Benefits Are Stolen

Thieves use several deceptive methods to gain access to your EBT account information. One common tactic involves sending credential-harvesting emails that look like they are from official sources but lead to fake login pages. Others use text messages or robocalls with false claims that your benefits are locked, trying to trick you into revealing your card number and PIN. Be wary of cloned retail websites that ask you to "re-activate" your EBT account.

Physical tampering at stores is also a risk. Before swiping your card, always inspect the point-of-sale machine for any loose or mismatched parts, as these could be skimming devices designed to copy your card details.

What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen

If you suspect your card has been compromised or see an unauthorized charge, you must act immediately to protect your remaining balance.

1. Immediately freeze your card using the ebtEDGE mobile app and change your PIN.

2. Call Missouri EBT Card Member Services at 800-997-7777 to cancel your card and request a replacement.

3. File a fraud report with the DSS Welfare Investigations Unit online, by email, or by calling 877-770-8055.

Missouri was able to replace electronically stolen SNAP benefits for thefts that occurred between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024. However, the funding for this program has ended, and any losses after that date are not reimbursed. Replacement claims could be denied if the PIN was shared, the thief was a household member, or the card was not reported stolen before the fraudulent transaction occurred.

This replacement policy only applied to SNAP benefits. Stolen EBT Cash from programs like Temporary Assistance are not covered by the federal replacement law and are not reimbursed by the state. You can find more information on the official Missouri EBT website.

Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them

Beyond security threats, everyday issues can disrupt access to your benefits. From a card being declined unexpectedly to benefits not arriving on time, knowing the common reasons and solutions can help you resolve problems quickly and avoid unnecessary stress.

Card Declined at Checkout

A decline message at the register can be confusing, especially when you know you have funds. The cause is often simple, like trying to buy non-eligible items with SNAP benefits or the cashier processing the transaction as a standard credit or debit purchase.

Other reasons could be a store’s system being temporarily offline, entering the wrong PIN too many times, or physical wear on your card’s magnetic stripe or chip.

• Ask the cashier to run food-only items as a separate EBT transaction.

• Carefully re-enter your PIN. If the card is blocked from too many attempts, you must wait 24 hours.

• Check the ebtEDGE app to confirm your card is not frozen.

• Verify your EBT balance before trying again. You can check your last receipt or use a free app like Benny to see your funds in seconds.

• If the card is visibly worn, request a replacement.

Damaged or Lost Card

An EBT card can stop working if it gets bent, cracked, or if the magnetic stripe becomes demagnetized from wear. If your card is lost or stolen, you cannot access your benefits until it is replaced.

• Immediately call card services at 800-997-7777 or the Family Support Division at 855-373-4636 to cancel the old card and order a new one.

• A replacement card should arrive by mail in about five to seven business days.

• Once the new card arrives, follow the instructions to activate it and choose a new PIN right away.

Benefits Not Appearing on Schedule

Missouri issues SNAP benefits on a staggered schedule based on your birth date and last name. If your funds have not appeared, you might have misread the calendar, or the deposit day may have fallen on a weekend or state holiday, causing a slight delay.

A more significant reason for missing benefits is overdue paperwork. Failing to submit a required mid-certification or recertification form on time will suspend your case until the documents are processed.

• Confirm your exact issuance date by checking the calendar on the official SNAP website or by calling 855-373-4636.

• If the date has passed, verify that you returned all required certification forms.

• Check the FSD Benefit Portal for any messages about your case status before calling for assistance.

Handy Bookmarks

• Missouri SNAP Program Page

• Missouri EBT Customer Service

• ebtEDGE Portal

• Benny Balance Checker

• Cash Access List