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The Department of Human Services (DHS) has detected a recent growth in reports of stolen SNAP and TANF benefits in the Erie and Western PA regions due to suspected EBT card skimming. Although these types of fraudulent activities are on the rise nationwide, the recent wave of scams in PA are depleting critical SNAP and TANF benefits from constituents in your area. DHS is working quickly to investigate and restore benefits to eligible individuals, and we are requesting your help to encourage and assist your constituents in the following:

1. Report Skimming Incidents

· Victims of EBT skimming should call the DHS Fraud Tip Line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477) or report through the Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) website.

· Report suspected SNAP and TANF theft to local law enforcement.

2. Request Replacement SNAP Benefits

· Visit DHS’ Scam Page and fill out a Benefit Theft Claim Form via a PDF form or web form within 60 calendar days of the incident.

o DHS will validate the claim within 30 calendar days of the request submission, and if a reimbursement is to be issued, it can be done within 10 calendar days of the evaluation.

o If a replacement EBT card is issued, recipients must also change their PIN number to protect the new card.

3. Connect to Resources

· Help resolve immediate food needs while DHS works to determine a SNAP benefit theft claim.

i. Call 211 or visit www.pa211.org to connect with various local food resources.

ii. Visit www.feedingpa.org to find local food banks and other food assistance programs.

iii. Go to www.dhs.pa.gov/ending-hunger and www.agriculture.pa.gov/food_security for information on assistance programs and other resources.

4. Educate

· Keep an eye out for current scams and phishing attempts on DHS’ Scam Page.

· Advise SNAP and TANF recipients to take an extra look before scanning EBT cards at Point of Sale (POS) machine to ensure there is no skimming attachment. Retailers should also remain vigilant and be responsible for the removal of skimming devices to protect their customers.

· Display and share the attached SNAP skimming poster.

· Advise SNAP and TANF recipients to monitor their EBT accounts. EBT balance and transaction inquiries, as well as card replacements, can be requested from DHS’s EBT contractor, Conduent, at 888-328-7366. Do not use third party apps to check EBT balances.

· Encourage all Pennsylvanians to apply for public assistance programs online at www.dhs.pa.gov/compass. On-site CAO services are available if clients cannot access online services or need assistance that cannot be accessed through the COMPASS website, the MyCOMPASS PA mobile app, or by calling the Customer Service Centers at 215-560-7226 for Philadelphia clients or 1-877-395-8930 for clients in all other counties.

We hope this information is beneficial and assists your efforts to support and serve your constituents who may be affected by this growing nationwide problem. DHS takes fraud prevention seriously and is committed to ensuring the benefits we administer get to the Pennsylvanians who need them. Thank you, as always, for your valuable partnership with DHS.