Illinois has experienced an increase in SNAP benefit theft through skimming and phishing scams, but there are several things you can do to protect your benefits from electronic and other theft. The best way to protect your SNAP/Link benefits is to learn about types of EBT theft and take steps to secure your card. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions.
You can update the security settings on your Link card at anytime. But remaining vigilant while you are shopping or anytime someone asks about your Link benefits are also important.
If you don’t take steps to secure your SNAP/Link card, you could lose some or all of your food benefits. While there is currently a temporary program in place to replace stolen benefits, you may only qualify for a partial replacement. When this temporary program expires September 30, 2024, you will have no way to replace stolen benefits.
Before swiping your SNAP/Link card, check to see if the card reader looks intact. Is there any piece of the machine that’s bulging, raised, or out of alignment? Does it look like part of the machine is covering another part where it shouldn’t be? If so, that could be a sign that a skimmer was installed. Go to another machine or ask a store clerk to manually enter your card number.
Do not let a cashier enter your PIN for you. This is a common scam for stealing card information.
Never share your PIN with anyone, even someone claiming to be the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in a text or email.
Social media or online ads claiming to provide additional cash benefits if you provide your Link information are a common scam.
The ONLY approved mobile app for Illinois is ebtEDGE. it is available in your app store.
Take advantage of the security functions of your SNAP/Link Card. You can do things like:
There are several ways to make security changes to your SNAP/Link card.
Visit the Illinois Department of Human Services website to learn more about how to protect your account.
For a limited period of time, you may submit claims for stolen benefits to the Illinois Department of Human Services and request to have your benefits replaced. Learn more about whether you may be eligible for benefit replacement and how to submit a claim at our SNAP EBT Theft page.
Information about common SNAP/Link card scams can be found on the USDA website.
Skimming happens when thieves place a device that steals your account information on point of sale machines where you swipe your SNAP/Link card to pay for groceries. These machines steal information like your card number and your PIN.
Phishing happens when thieves send texts or emails or make phone calls pretending to be someone else so that they can get you to give them your SNAP/Link card information, like your card number or PIN.
Phishing scams are often cleverly designed to make you think that the request for information is coming from a trusted source, or that there is a situation where your information is urgently needed. Common phishing scams include people pretending to be the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) or a sweepstakes offering to give you a prize in exchange for giving your information.
If thieves get physical access to your card and PIN, they can use the information to spend your benefits without your knowledge, either by creating a clone card to shop at an actual store or using your card information to shop online. Often thieves will spend your benefits in a different state.