According to the state Department of Health and Human Services, more than $554,000 in food benefits was taken from North Carolina citizens recently. The stolen benefits have an impact on persons registered in the state’s food stamps program, which helps low-income people buy groceries. Enrolled users utilize EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards to purchase food from stores that accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
The state claims that benefits totaling more than $554,00 were pilfered after August 18. The spike in benefit theft is connected to BJ’s Wholesale Club internet transactions. A block on online transactions from Connecticut, Florida, and New York that seemed connected to the fraudulent activities was put in place by the state in September. Since September 6, no new fraudulent transactions have been reported, according to the state.
What is the Reimbursement Process?
There is a procedure in place for members whose benefits were pilfered on or before September 30 to seek repayment. The county department of social services must receive a signed affidavit from eligible participants via mail, fax, in-person, or phone. A new EBT card will be provided following the claim’s processing, and it should arrive in three to five business days.
Step to Protect Your EBT Card
In order to protect their EBT card and account, NCDHHS advises users to take the following steps:
- Regularly check your EBT account for any fraudulent transactions.
- Make your PIN “difficult” (i.e., not 4444 or 1234).
- When you’re not shopping, freeze your EBT card if you suspect card skimming to prevent fraudulent purchases with it.
- Stop purchases made using your EBT Edge accounts or the mobile app from outside of the state and online.
- Verify that the card swiper on retail card reading machines is not covered by or has anything suspect attached to it.
