Protect Your Benefits
The Department of Social Services (DSS) is committed to helping you protect your public assistance benefits from fraud. Unfortunately benefits can be stolen through scams and it can be difficult (and sometimes impossible) to recover. Learn how scams target Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders and how you can protect your benefits.
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What are common types of fraud?
There are 3 types of fraud that participants should be aware of:
- Card Skimming occurs when devices illegally installed on ATMs and point-of-sale (POS) terminals record EBT card numbers and Personal Identification Numbers (PIN). Criminals use the data to create fake EBT cards and then steal from participant accounts.
- Card Cloning occurs when criminals use the data captured by skimming (or other means) to create fake EBT cards. It is the process criminals use to copy an EBT card number without stealing the physical card itself.
- Phishing scams (or another similar method of fraud) occurs when participants receive phone calls, emails or text messages from people trying to mimic state agency messaging to scam households into releasing their EBT card data.
How can I protect my benefits?
Check Card Reading Machines
Before you use any card reader, check for a skimming device. Remember, these devices are designed to fit over the machine and blend in, but you may be able to tell something is wrong if they:
- Block the LED indicator light or cover the stylus/pen tray
- Cover the machine and make it look like something can be pulled off/removed
- Make the display and keypad look like a different color or texture from the rest of the machine
If you notice any signs of a skimming device, do not swipe your card and report it to the store manager immediately. You can also login to your ebtEDGE account to check your benefit balance. If you notice any un-authorized purchases, immediately call 800-997-7777 to place a hold on your EBT card.
Keep Your Card and PIN Information Safe
Keep your card and PIN (Personal Identification Number) safe and secure at all times. Be sure to:
- Use caution if allowing others to use your EBT card to purchase food for you. Benefits misused by someone you know cannot be replaced.
- Memorize your PIN and keep it a secret. If someone knows your PIN and uses your card, your benefits cannot be replaced.
- Change your PIN if you think someone knows it. You can change your PIN any day, any time by calling EBT card member services at 800-997-7777.
Download the FIS ebtEDGE App
The ebtEDGE app (FIS app) is a free app that can help protect your SNAP and Temporary Assistance benefits. This app allows you to check on your benefits and review any purchases quickly and securely. It also gives you the option to freeze and unfreeze your card with one tap, helping you be proactive in preventing unauthorized usage of your card. The app is available for Android and Apple devices.
How do I report suspected fraud?
If you believe your EBT card information or your benefits have been stolen, please take the following steps immediately:
Call 800-977-7777 to report it and ask them to deactivate your EBT card and send you a new one
Report public assistance fraud to the Department of Social Services online or by calling the phone number for the area you live:
Central: 877-770-8055 | Eastern: 877-860-3052 | Southeast: 877-603-4323 | Western: 877-698-0760 | Southwest: 877-839-4316
NOTE: If your SNAP benefit was stolen, you may be able to get a replacement benefit if your theft is reported within 30 days of theft discovery. To see if you qualify, you must submit an online Electronically Stolen Benefit Replacement Request form or print a Replacement Request Form and submit it to the Family Support Division within 10 days of the timely reported theft. If you print your form, you can submit it online, by fax at 573-526-9400, or by mail at P.O. Box 2700, Jefferson City, MO 65102.
More Information
- ebtEDGE
- How to appoint an Authorized Representative (English) (Espanol)
- Manage my SNAP benefit
- Manage my Temporary Assistance benefit
- How to use your EBT card (English) (Espanol)
- Report Public Assistance Fraud