How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?

Phishing and spam attacks are on the rise in Oregon, targeting benefit recipients. These scams can appear as texts, emails, or even fake websites. Knowing how to spot these threats is the best way to protect your account.

How EBT Benefits Are Stolen

Thieves use several sophisticated methods to gain access to EBT funds. The most common tactic in Oregon is card skimming, where criminals attach hidden devices to ATM or store card readers. These devices copy your card's data and often use a tiny camera to record your PIN.

You might also receive fraudulent texts, calls, or emails claiming your card is locked. This practice, known as phishing or smishing, tries to trick you into giving away your card number and PIN. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will never ask for this information through text or email. Fake websites and apps designed to look like the official ebtEDGE portal are another common trap used to steal login details.

What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen

If you suspect your benefits have been stolen, taking immediate action can help secure your account. You should follow these steps to report the fraud and request a replacement.

1. Immediately freeze your card through the ebtEDGE app or website.

2. Cancel your card and order a replacement. You can call 855-328-6715 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT, or the 24/7 line at 888-997-4447 to report it lost or stolen.

3. Formally report the theft to ODHS by phone or at a local office to request a replacement of the stolen funds.

Whether your benefits can be replaced depends on the type of benefit and when the theft occurred. Due to the expiration of federal funding, SNAP benefits stolen electronically after December 21, 2024, cannot be replaced. However, TANF and Refugee Cash benefits may be reimbursed if you report the electronic theft within 30 days of discovering it. You can find more details on the official ODHS website.

Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them

Beyond security threats, you might run into other issues with your Oregon Trail card. Physical damage, a forgotten PIN, or a delayed deposit can be frustrating, but most problems have a straightforward fix if you know the right steps to take.

My Card Is Damaged or Won’t Swipe

A bent card, a cracked chip, or a worn-out magnetic stripe can prevent a card reader or ATM from processing your transaction. This physical wear and tear is common over time and can cause read errors at the register.

• First, check for obvious dirt and gently wipe the stripe and chip with a soft cloth.

• If the card still fails, call the ODHS replacement line at 855-328-6715 during business hours to have a free replacement mailed to you. You can also visit any ODHS Self-Sufficiency office.

• For security, use the 24-hour customer service line at 888-997-4447 to cancel the damaged card so no transactions can occur while you wait for the new one.

I Forgot My PIN or It’s Locked

Entering the wrong PIN three times will lock your card as a security measure. After three failed attempts, the card becomes unusable until midnight, and most stores cannot manually override this lock.

• To reset your PIN immediately, call 888-997-4447 and follow the voice prompts to choose a new four-digit number.

• You can also change it online through the ebtEDGE site or by asking a receptionist at an ODHS office to reset it for you.

• Choose a number that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess, and never keep your PIN with your card.

My Benefits Haven’t Arrived

SNAP benefits are deposited once a month, with the exact date depending on the last digit of your case number. Public holidays can sometimes shift the posting by a day. A delayed deposit might also be due to a change in your case, such as a recently submitted income change or a missed review, which can place your account on hold.

• Verify your benefit deposit date by checking your ONE Online account or calling your local worker.

• Check your balance using multiple methods: look at your last store receipt, call 888-997-4447, log in to the ebtEDGE portal, or use Benny, a free app for checking your balance.

• If the funds still do not appear, contact ODHS directly, as missing paperwork can suspend a case. More details are available on the official Oregon EBT Card Help page.