Monroe County Reports 350 EBT Cards Have Been Involved In Skimming Incidents

The Monroe County Department of Social Services is reporting roughly 350 skimming incidents of Electronic Benefit Transfer cards in the month of June. According to Monroe County, the theft has resulted in accounts being compromised and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance benefits being stolen. Card skimming, which is determined to be the cause of theft, directly copies card and PIN information from EBT cardholders using a device placed on top of store card reading machines. The stolen data is then used to access EBT accounts to spend SNAP and TA cash benefits.

Monroe County says it is committed to addressing the thefts and acknowledge the impact they have on people’s lives. To expedite the replacement of funds, the department is accepting benefit replacement applications. Social services are also providing additional resources to expedite as many refunded benefits as possible. Monroe County and Human Services are also assisting by giving victims food banks or food vouchers while waiting for benefits to be restored. If you are seeking replacement benefits you can visit Monroe County Social Services at 691 St. Paul Street or 111 Westfall Road to obtain a replacement EBT card and PIN, and file an application for replacement benefits.

Source: Rochester First