Stolen SNAP benefits are not guaranteed to be refunded in Massachusetts, tips to prevent theft
BOSTON (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is warning benefit recipients to increase the protection of their electronic benefits transfer (EBT) accounts.
DTA says they've seen an increase in Massachusetts residents reporting benefits being stolen from their EBT accounts, mostly through skimming. Skimming is when an illegal device is placed on a card reader that allows thieves to electronically steal EBT account information when recipients swipe their card at checkout.
State fix-eyed after stolen benefits protection ends
The state assures that currently DTA/EBT systems are operational and have not been compromised.
There is no guarantee that funds stolen after December 20, 2024, will be replaced as Congress failed to extend a deadline for reimbursement. Even though stolen SNAP benefits can no longer be reimbursed for thefts occurring after December 20, 2024, DTA clients should still report all stolen benefits in case additional funding becomes available at a later date.
DTA offers these steps to help prevent benefits thefts:
DTA launched a new EBT card locking feature that allows clients to control when their card is usable by locking and unlocking it through the free DTA Connect mobile app and web portal. Benefits cannot be stolen when an EBT card is locked.
DTA clients are still encouraged to change their EBT card PIN frequently – at least once a month before their benefits are issued.
Never provide your personal information, EBT card number, or Personal Identification Number (PIN) to unidentified callers, or to a link provided via text or email.
If you get TAFDC or EAEDC, you can call your case manager to ask about having your benefits deposited to your bank account.
DTA clients can find more information about how to protect their benefits, including videos and instructions on how to lock your EBT card in multiple languages,and steps to take if benefits have been compromised here: mass.gov/how-to/report-stolen-benefits-to-dta.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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