How Ohio lawmakers are working to stop SNAP benefits from being stolen and what you can do to protect yourself
LAKEWOOD, Ohio — Ohio lawmakers are taking steps to protect some of the state’s most vulnerable residents from a growing problem: The theft of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), more than $17 million in SNAP benefits have been stolen in Ohio over the past two years—a troubling trend that’s part of a nationwide issue.
Thefts typically occur when a fraudulent device is placed over a card reader, capturing information such as the EBT card number and PIN. That stolen data is then used to drain benefits.
To combat this, Ohio lawmakers have introduced House Bill 163, which aims to enhance the security of EBT cards by replacing them with chip-enabled cards. One of the bill’s sponsors, Rep. Tristan Rader (D-Lakewood), said he began hearing about the issue as soon as he took office.
"From day one when I started in this position in January, I started getting calls," said Rader. " I'm just trying to address problems as we see them, and once I started digging into it, I realized the breadth and depth of this problem and how really relatively small the fix is."
Rep. Rader emphasized that outdated technology is a core reason for the rise in fraud.
"This technology is really old. The government hasn't invested what it's needed to keep up with the types of cyber attacks that are happening," said Rader. "The most vulnerable populations -- seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, single women with children -- these are the folks that use SNAP benefits the most are the ones that are being targeted and getting their benefits stolen"
If House Bill 163 passes, all existing EBT cards in Ohio would be replaced with chip-enabled cards within two years. The initiative is expected to cost $10.6 million, with half of that to be funded federally.
What you can do now to protect your SNAP benefits
Until new chip-enabled cards are rolled out, there are steps the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services recommend you can take to help protect your benefits:
Download the Connect EBT app: This app allows you to lock your card to prevent unauthorized use.
Use a strong PIN: Create a PIN that is difficult to guess and change it monthly before your scheduled deposit.
Never share your card number or PIN.
Avoid card readers that look suspicious or altered in any way.
"I'd say just the biggest thing is to remember that like anyone with a debit card or a credit card the SNAP benefits on an EBT card are a target for criminals," said Matt Damschroder, Director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. "All of us who have some kind of card, whether it's for a commercial transaction or public assistance needs to take some affirmative steps to do what they can to protect those benefits."
Report suspicious activity
If you believe you have been the victim of SNAP benefits theft or want to report any suspicious activity, you are urged to call the Cuyahoga County Public Assistance Fraud Hotline at 216-987-6950.