Reporting Stolen SNAP Benefits

1. Avoid Simple PINs: Number combinations such as 1111, 1234, or 9876 may be easy for others to guess.  
2. Change PIN after using card: By changing your PIN frequently, especially after using your card, you can minimize your risk of stolen benefits from a previously skimmed EBT card. To change your card PIN, you can call: 1-866-512-5087.   
3. Keep your PIN secret. Do not share your PIN with anyone outside your household. Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN on a machine.   
4. Check your EBT account regularly for unrecognized charges. If you notice any, change your PIN immediately to prevent further theft.   
5. Check card reading machines to make sure there’s nothing suspicious overlayed or attached to the card swiper or keypad. The overlays can be difficult to detect but are often bigger than the original machine and may hide parts of the machine.  

Card skimmers are stealthy fraud devices that collect or copy card information when a card is swiped or scanned for payment. Criminals attach card skimmers to common card reading devices, such as grocery store or gas pump payment systems. Although they’re often used to steal bank funds or credit card information, skimmers can also be used to steal benefits that use electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards. 

Phishing refers to the process of using phone calls, text, emails, or other communication to “fish” for sensitive personal information or convince a person or organization to reveal information that can be used to steal bank funds, identity, benefits, or other assets. Do not provide your EBT number or PIN by phone or text. 

Step 1: Stop the Fraud:  Call 1-866-512-5087 to request a new EBT card and change your PIN number. 

Step 2 Report the Fraud:  Report the theft to MDHS.  Please report stolen SNAP benefits through our MDHS Fraud Tip Report form so that we may continue to identify and fight benefit theft.  

• Complete the reporting form on our website:   
  MDHS Fraud Tip Form 
  NOTE: Following instructions from our federal partners, beginning June 30, 2025, MDHS can no longer replace stolen SNAP benefits, even if the theft occurred before December 20, 2024. 

OR 

• Call the MDHS Office of Inspector General at: 1-800-299-6905 to report the fraud. 

Some potential warning signs that you may have been a victim include: 

• Charges on your EBT card that no one in your household recognizes. 

• Charges at businesses that you have not visited. 

• Charges at out-of-state or unfamiliar locations. 

Beginning June 30, 2025, MDHS can no longer replace stolen SNAP benefits, even if the theft occurred before December 20, 2024. 

Please report stolen SNAP benefits through our Fraud Tip Report form so that we may continue to identify and fight benefit theft. 

MDHS will investigate each claim received to continue to work each case to prevent future benefit theft. 

Yes. Reporting stolen benefits allows MDHS to identify fraud and investigate illegal activity. Please report the theft utilizing the Fraud Tip Form to allow MDHS to prevent any further instances of stolen benefits. Call 1-866-512-5087 to request a new EBT card and change your PIN number.  

No. Federal funds are NOT available to replace benefits. 

We still encourage you to take the following actions:  

Step 1:  Call 1-866-512-5087 to request a new EBT card and change your PIN number.  

Step 2:  Report the theft to MDHS so that we can work to fight benefit theft.  

Complete the Fraud Tip Form or  

Call the MDHS Office of Inspector General at: 1-800-299-6905  

Step 3:  Always monitor your account and protect your PIN number!  

Federal funds are NOT available to be replaced after June 30, 2025 even if the loss occurred before December 20,2024. 

Federal funds are NOT available to replace stolen benefits. Please report stolen benefits as soon as possible. MDHS uses this information to identify and fight benefit theft.  

TANF is a separate program and has different rules and procedures regarding stolen benefits. 

To report stolen TANF benefits you should contact Way2Go card services at 1-855-709-1079. After entering your card number or social security number, listen for the option to dispute a transaction. Then, listen for the option to initiate a claim of fraud or a transaction dispute.   

You can also mail your report of stolen TANF benefits to 

Customer Account Services 

PO Box 245997 

San Antonio, Texas 78224