EBT scams on the rise in Lynchburg area, police said
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) – Lynchburg City officials said they have been monitoring a nationwide scam involving recent Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) skimming/scamming.
EBT is used to provide citizens with their monthly SNAP benefits and is being affected by a scam where deposits are depleted as soon as they are loaded on the cards.
The scam has recently impacted some of Lynchburg's EBT customers, according to officials. The City of Lynchburg's Department of Human Services is documenting the number of reported cases and the dollar amount stolen; however, benefits will not be able to replace at this time.
SCAM ALERT: Sheriff's Office warns residents of scammers posing as reputable businesses
If you are an EBT user, the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is encouraging you to enroll in the official mobile app, , for assistance with benefit protection, checking your daily balance, and locking/unlocking your benefits before and after each use.
'EBT customers are encouraged to routinely check their card balance for unauthorized purchases and to change their card's PIN often, which is one of the best ways to prevent card skimming.'Visit the ConnectEBT web portal or download the mobile app (available on Google Play and the Apple App Store). Then select Virginia EBT from the drop-down menu. This app is a fast and easy way to monitor EBT card balances, deposits, and transaction activity.EBT Card Security Tips:• Check your balance only through the ConnectEBT secure app.• Never share your EBT card number, PIN, or password.• Virginia EBT will never ask for your card number online or via text.
For further assistance, EBT customers can call Virginia's EBT Client Customer Service Helpdesk at 866.281.2448, which is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.'Lynchburg Human Services and the Lynchburg Police Department continue to share information about the app and fraud prevention with affected residents.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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