Guard Your Card: EBT Scammers Stealing Funds Across Arkansas
Officials with the Arkansas Department of Human Services warn people using EBT cards, Electronic Benefit Transfer Cards, to be mindful of scammers who may steal their money.
EBT Cards at Risk
According to KARK-TV, an Arkansas family's funds from their SNAP benefits have been stolen twice in the past 6 months. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides low-income families with the means to put food on the table.
With rising food costs, it has become harder for families trying to implement a food budget, much less have their money stolen right out from under them. The money stolen from the family is occurring just a few hours after it hits their account.
There are many similar cases, like this family checking out at Walmart with a basket full of groceries, and when they were ready to pay, the screen showed only a dollar on the card. This can be very devastating for a family trying to provide food for their family.
Don't Fall Victim to EBT Scammers
The Department of Human Services reported that in 2024, more than 1,100 Arkansas families had their SNAP benefits stolen using card skimmers, which totaled over $550,000.
The best thing families can do to protect themselves is to plan and try to use the money as quickly as possible after it hits their account. Nothing is foolproof these days, but being mindful and keeping an eye on your account can go a long way in avoiding becoming the next victim of a heartless scam. If you think you've been scammed for any reason, go here to find out what you need to do.
