CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The 22News I-Team has received multiple calls from Springfield area residents claiming their SNAP benefits have been stolen.
22News contacted the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) for information and they confirmed some clients in the area are reporting this issue, and that the department has not been hacked.
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In most cases, the EBT benefits card’s information was stolen through skimming, where an illegal device is placed on an ATM or credit card reader. The device collects card numbers and Personal Identification Number, or PIN codes, which are then duplicated into counterfeit cards.
DTA offers these suggestions for protection against fraud:
- Examine card readers before swiping an EBT card to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with;
- Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN) by changing it frequently;
- Never provide personal information, EBT card number, or PIN to unidentified callers or to links sent via text message or email.