SNAP recipients can protect their accounts by calling the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Customer Service line at 1-800-997-9999, following the prompts, and resetting their PIN to a combination that is known to them and no one else. This can help ensure that their account is secure before new benefits are added to the cards, which typically occurs beginning around the 4th of each month. DHS also recommends several other steps to secure SNAP accounts outlined in the image above and the text below:
• Set a PIN that is only known to them and not commonly used. Avoid using easy-to-guess PINs such as 1-2-3-4 or all the same digit, like 0-0-0-0 or 1-1-1-1. Beneficiaries should also avoid PINs that reference information that may be publicly available, like birth dates or street addresses.
• Keep the PIN a secret. Do not share the PIN with anyone outside the household. Cover the keypad when they enter the PIN on a machine.
• Check EBT accounts regularly for unauthorized charges. If there are any unauthorized charges, the SNAP recipient should change the PIN immediately to stop the thief from making any new purchases.
• Check card reading machines to make sure there’s nothing suspicious overlayed or attached to the card swiper or keypad. The overlays can be difficult to detect but are often bigger than the original machine and may hide parts of the machine.
• Never reveal the PIN to anyone. DHS will not reach out via email, social media message, or text to ask for a PIN.
• Avoid saving an EBT card as a payment method for online shopping.
