AARP Pennsylvania Warns About EBT Skimming and Urges SNAP Users to Take Action

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AARP Pennsylvania is alerting residents to a growing, nationwide scam targeting users of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), where criminals use skimming devices to steal Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card information and drain benefit accounts.

"Skimming is a sophisticated yet deceptive tactic," said Mary Bach, AARP Pennsylvania Volunteer and Chair of the Consumer Issues Task Force. "It can go unnoticed until benefits are already stolen. Awareness is the first line of defense, and taking simple steps can prevent financial hardship."

To guard against EBT skimming, AARP Pennsylvania recommends SNAP recipients take the following precautions:

--  Lock your card when not in use using the ConnectEBT mobile app or website. ConnectEBT is the only app that Pennsylvania partners with to manage its card and transaction history.
    
    
--  Change your PIN regularly, especially before your benefits are deposited.
    
    
--  Inspect card readers for signs of tampering, such as loose parts or unfamiliar overlays.
    
    
--  Check your balance frequently and report suspected theft to local law enforcement and to OSIG by calling 1-800-932-0582.

"The Department of Human Services is aware of skimming incidents that have been targeting SNAP recipients," said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. "Do not become a victim of this crime. Make sure you keep your EBT card locked, you change your PIN every month, and when you swipe your EBT card at a card reader, please make sure a skimming device is not attached."

"The Office of State Inspector General is hard at work finding and removing skimmers across the Commonwealth and prosecuting the criminals who are stealing from those in need," said State Inspector General Michelle Henry. "We urge SNAP recipients to stay vigilant and take the steps outlined here to help protect their benefits from theft. "

If you believe your benefits have been stolen, report the theft immediately to local law enforcement and contact the Office of State Inspector General's fraud tip line at 1-800-932-0582.

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Pennsylvania Fraud Resource Page at?aarp.org/pafraud.

Connect with AARP Pennsylvania on Facebook: @AARPPA, X: @AARPPA, Instagram: @AARPPennsylvania, & YouTube: @TheAARPPA

About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Media Contact:

Randy LoBasso | 267-964-8001 | rlobasso@aarp.org

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SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania