In a recent push to increase security for recipients of public assistance, the Oregon Department of Human Services is advising Oregonians to act swiftly to safeguard their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families cash benefits against electronic theft. A notable trend has arisen where thefts predominantly occur at the start of the month right after benefits are dispersed onto Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, via methods like skimming, phishing, and other devious tactics, as reported by the Oregon Department of Human Services.
Within the month of October alone, ODHS received reports from approximately 220 households, collectively losing nearly $86,000 in EBT benefits to criminals. However, due to preventative actions taken by cardholders, such as card locking and PIN changes, 104 theft attempts were successfully thwarted. "People and families in Oregon rely on their SNAP food and TANF cash benefits to help them meet their basic needs," Liesl Wendt, Director of Oregon Department of Human Services, emphasized, urging everyone to take protective measures such as regular PIN updates and locking cards between use.
According to the Oregon Department of Human Services, safeguarding these benefits involves a few key steps. Individuals should solely utilize the official ebtEDGE website or mobile app to manage their EBT accounts, as ODHS does not endorse any other third-party apps or sites. Among the suggested security measures, freezing the EBT card between transactions surfaces as a recommended tactic. To do this, users can access the "Freeze Card" feature under "Account Services" on the ebtEDGE platform.
Moreover, Oregon Department of Human Services advises beneficiaries to block any transactions made outside of Oregon or online to prevent unauthorized use, this feature can also be managed through the ebtEDGE website or app within “Protect My Account.” They also promote frequent PIN changes, which can be done by calling 888-997-4447, visiting the ebtEDGE website or taking the EBT card to the nearest Oregon Department of Human Services benefits office. Vigilance against scams, especially those via social media or text messages that request sensitive information like an EBT card number or PIN, can not be overstated.
The Oregon Department of Human Services offers helpful resources for people who use EBT cards. These include a brochure, flyer, and wallet card in several languages, plus short how-to videos on benefits.oregon.gov. These materials explain how to use an EBT card, how to replace it, and how to protect your benefits. If needed, they can cancel and replace their card by calling the EBT Replacement Line at 1-855-328-6715 or by visiting a local DHS benefits office.
