How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?

Phishing and spam attacks targeting Kansas EBT users are on the rise. These scams can appear as deceptive text messages, fraudulent websites, or even physical card readers. Understanding these different methods is the best way to protect your benefits from theft.

How EBT Benefits Are Stolen

Thieves use several sophisticated methods to gain access to EBT accounts. A common tactic is phishing, where scammers send fake texts or emails claiming your card is locked or that you have extra benefits. These messages often direct you to look-alike websites to steal your card number and PIN. Legitimate agencies will never ask for this information by text or phone.

Card skimming and cloning are also accelerating. Criminals attach hidden devices to ATM and store card readers to copy your card’s magnetic stripe data and record your PIN. Always check for loose or bulky card readers and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

If you use your card for online groceries, be aware of account-takeover fraud. It is best to unblock internet purchases only for the transaction, then immediately re-block them and freeze the card.

What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen

If you suspect your benefits have been stolen, you must report the fraud immediately to prevent further losses. Take the following steps to report the incident:

1. Immediately call ebtEDGE at 800-997-6666 to report the card stolen and block it.

2. Report the theft to the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) at 888-369-4777.

A federal law allowed for the replacement of SNAP and TANF benefits stolen through phishing, skimming, or cloning between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024. However, Congress did not extend this authority. Thefts occurring after December 20, 2024, are not eligible for reimbursement, though you should still report fraud to stop further losses. You can find more information on the official Kansas EBT website.

Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them

Beyond security threats, you might encounter other issues with your EBT card. Problems like a declined transaction or a forgotten PIN are common, but they can be resolved quickly by following a few simple steps to get you back on track.

Transaction Declined or “Insufficient Funds”

A declined transaction can happen for several reasons. It might be a simple case of a low balance, but it could also be a temporary hold placed by a merchant, like a gas station. Your card may also be frozen in your ebtEDGE settings, or it could be locked from entering an incorrect PIN too many times.

• First, check your balance by calling 1-800-997-6666, logging into the ebtEDGE portal, or opening the Benny mobile app.

• If you used the freeze feature, remember to unfreeze the card in your ebtEDGE account before making a purchase.

• You can ask the cashier to run the transaction again. If the card is locked from incorrect PIN attempts, you may need to wait 15 minutes or reset your PIN.

• For holds from fuel or hotel purchases, you may need to wait up to 48 hours for them to be removed. If a hold persists, contact Kansas EBT Customer Service.

Forgotten or Blocked PIN

It is easy to forget your four-digit PIN, especially if you do not use your card frequently. Entering the wrong PIN three consecutive times will temporarily lock your card as a security measure, preventing anyone from using it.

• You can change or reset your PIN at any time through the ebtEDGE app or web portal, or by calling the automated phone line at 1-800-997-6666.

• When creating a new PIN, use a four-digit code that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. Avoid using your birth date or simple repeating numbers.

• If your card is locked, you must wait 15 minutes before you can try the transaction again with the correct PIN.

Cash Withdrawal Denied or Unexpected Fees

When trying to get EBT Cash benefits, you might face a denied transaction or see unexpected fees. This often occurs when using an out-of-network ATM, exceeding the daily withdrawal limit, or during a temporary network outage.

• To avoid extra charges, use surcharge-free Allpoint or MoneyPass ATMs, as both networks waive owner fees for EBT withdrawals.

• You can find a participating machine through an online ATM locator or the tool inside your ebtEDGE account.

• Kansas allows two free cash withdrawals each month. Any additional withdrawals will have a fee, which is displayed on the ATM screen before you complete the transaction.

• If an ATM takes money from your account but does not provide the cash, write down the time, location, and any error message. You must file a dispute with Customer Service within 90 days.