Kansas City Struggles with Rise in EBT Card Scams Targeting Vulnerable Families

Kansas City Faces Summer Spike in EBT Card Scams

This summer, Kansas City has been battling a troubling rise in scams that are stealing food stamp benefits from some of the city’s most vulnerable families. It appears that once again, thieves have begun targeting local grocery stores, especially those located along Independence Avenue in the northeast part of town. If you’re using an EBT (electronic benefit transfer) card for assistance, you might want to stay alert!

How the Scam Works

These thieves have been getting quite crafty, installing hidden gadgets at grocery store checkout lines. When unsuspecting shoppers swipe their EBT cards, these skimming devices capture their account data and the money starts to vanish—just like that! Recently, the state of Missouri reported that approximately 1,500 people had their grocery funds swiped right from under their noses. Yikes!

According to Dana Carrington, who is the chief of investigations at Missouri’s Department of Social Services, while they have managed to contain this recent wave of fraud, it’s likely that “they’ll come up with another scheme.” And you can bet that criminals are always on the lookout for new ways to defraud those in need.

Understanding SNAP Benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is one of 15 federal food aid programs designed to help low-income families purchase groceries. It’s significant to note that SNAP is a lifesaver for many, reaching about a quarter of all Americans every year. The EBT cards, similar to credit cards, allow individuals to buy groceries, but here’s the catch—these cards don’t have the same level of protection as your typical credit or debit card. While credit cards often come with a chip that protects your data, EBT cards store information like account numbers and PINs in plain sight.

What to Do If You’re a Victim

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry—you do have options if you fall victim to this skimming scam. If you believe your EBT card has been compromised, you can contact the Missouri EBT customer service at 800-997-7777. If you’ve lost money, there’s a process to report it and get some of those funds reimbursed. Just be prepared—it usually takes about two weeks. However, be aware that this reimbursement option is only guaranteed through December 20 of this year unless Congress steps in and extends it.

Protecting Yourself from Scammers

The good news is that there are steps you can take to help protect yourself from becoming a victim. Carrington recommends steering clear of self-checkout stations in the stores, as they are often the prime targets for skimmers. Additionally, consider changing your card identification or PIN number on a regular basis. If you can, set up your EBT account to block any out-of-state purchases. These small steps could be the difference between a lunch date with your favorite sandwich or a trip to the grocery store that ends in disaster!

The Future of EBT Cards in Missouri

As for the future, there has been talk among various states about issuing more secure chipped EBT cards, but it seems Missouri hasn’t jumped on that bandwagon just yet. The cost of these fancier cards would fall on the state, and without federal assistance, that’s a tough bill to pass. So for now, keeping vigilant is your best bet.

Stay Informed

With friendships and communities hanging in the balance, it’s time to stay educated! For more tips on how to avoid being scammed or for help if you’ve lost funds, check out the Missouri Department of Social Services website. Being informed and cautious can make all the difference.