Latest news with #ConnectEBT
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
New security measure will allow users to lock EBT cards, prevent theft
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A new security feature will help those who receive public benefits lock down their cards to prevent thieves from getting access to their benefits. The Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) spoke about a feature that will allow electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards to be locked and therefore prevent thieves from accessing their funds. EBT cards are often assigned to those who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, among others. Recent instances of SNAP theft have been reported in Pennsylvania, leaving those in need with nothing. That's what's so important about the new measure through the Connect EBT app. Pennsylvania law cracking down more on distracted driving to go into effect soon 'When someone's SNAP benefits are stolen from their EBT card, that means they may not be able to feed themselves or their families that month. That is unacceptable. DHS has been working diligently with our partners in OSIG to ensure that the benefits we administer stay with the Pennsylvanians who need them. We are proud to announce this new card lock safety feature that allows you to lock your EBT card when not in use to protect your SNAP and cash benefits from skimming and theft,' DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh said. 'I encourage all Pennsylvanians who receive SNAP or other cash benefits to download the free, secure ConnectEBT app and take advantage of the easy-to-use locking feature today.' How do you lock and unlock an EBT card with ConnectEBT? Those who receive benefits can lock and unlock their EBT cards using the free, and secure ConnectEBT app, available on Apple and GooglePlay app stores, or via the Connect EBT website. Upon creating or logging into their ConnectEBT app or website user account, recipients can simply tap the Lock/Unlock Card button. There are two options for the card lock feature: in-store'Lock My Card Everywhere' will prevent all types of purchases, including in store and online purchases. 'Lock My Card Outside PA' will prevent all purchases at stores outside Pennsylvania, but will still allow purchases in Pennsylvania and will also allow all internet purchases. Users are also advised to re-lock their card after they use it, or to enable a re-lock feature that would automatically relock an EBT card after a certain time has passed after a purchase. You can learn more about the card lock security measure, how to report stolen benefits and other ways to prevent card skimming on the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
New lock safety feature could help SNAP benefit recipients avoid theft
A technology upgrade could protect Pennsylvania residents from SNAP benefits theft. JET 24 has been reporting on this issue after hearing complaints from residents in Meadville and Erie who had their benefits stolen. Meadville police, AAA to give away steering wheel locks: Here's how you can get one Since congressional authorization ended in December, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has been unable to reissue those benefits. But according to Secretary Valerie Arkoosh, EBT cards can now be protected with a lock safety feature. Warren police warning of impersonation phone scam 'You lock your house when you leave for the day. You lock your car when you're not using it. Now you can lock your EBT card when it's not in use to protect your SNAP and cash benefits from skimming and theft,' said Valerie Arkoosh, MD, secretary of the PA Department of Human Services. The new card lock safety feature is available on the Connect EBT website and mobile app. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
New way to protect your EBT card info from being stolen
(WBRE/WYOU) — The Shapiro Administration announced a new way for SNAP benefit users to digitally lock their EBT cards to prevent benefit theft. The new function allows you to lock and unlock your EBT card with ConnectEBT. There are two options on the ConnectEBT app or website: 'lock my card everywhere' and 'lock my card outside PA'. Kowalonek's get ready for Kielbasi Festival & Heritage Day The Department of Human Services and the Office of State Inspector General said they are aware of SNAP theft in Pennsylvania, especially in incidents of card skimming. This new feature is one way people can protect their EBT cards while they are not in use. You can watch the tutorial on how to use the new security feature. 'When someone's SNAP benefits are stolen from their EBT card, that means they may not be able to feed themselves or their families that month. That is unacceptable. DHS has been working diligently with our partners in OSIG to ensure that the benefits we administer stay with the Pennsylvanians who need them. We are proud to announce this new card lock safety feature that allows you to lock your EBT card when not in use to protect your SNAP and cash benefits from skimming and theft… I encourage all Pennsylvanians who receive SNAP or other cash benefits to download the free, secure ConnectEBT app and take advantage of the easy-to-use locking feature today.'' said Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Grandmother discovers her SNAP benefits were stolen on Mother's Day
MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (KFOR) — Another Oklahoman has fallen victim to stolen SNAP benefits, this time, on Mother's Day. Jonelaine Williams was buying groceries for her family on Sunday when she realized scammers had wiped her benefits right off her card. 'When I seen that on Sunday, it just ruined my Mother's Day totally. It was terrible,' said Williams. Williams is currently raising her two grandchildren. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: More SNAP benefits stolen; DHS reminds users to lock cards She normally receives around $400 each month. 'They got it all except $18,' said Williams. The thieves were able to use Williams' card at a wholesale store in Massachusetts. 'How they got my name and my card numbers is I don't understand,' said Williams. Williams said she's been using the propel app and blocked out any out of state purchases, however that didn't matter. The Department of Human Services sent News 4 the following statement: ConnectEBT is the app that people should use to protect their benefits. As long as their card is locked, their benefits are safe. We recommend individuals keep their card locked except to make purchases and then immediately lock it back. The Department of Human Services 'I knew the propel one. Their advice to me was to cut that card off and said that I would receive a new card in ten days. What good is that going to be?' said Williams. Unfortunately, Williams was told there was nothing the state could do. 'DHS suggested that maybe I contact some churches and see if they might pay a bill for me to free up the funds from that,' said Williams. Williams was forced to buy her family's groceries this month, leaving her in a tough financial situation. 'I'm sitting over $275 overdrawn in my account,' said Williams. Like many other Oklahomans, Williams is asking for more to be done to protect her benefits. 'We're doing what they tell us to. I thought I was safe, but I wasn't,' said Williams. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Changes coming for Pennsylvania SNAP card users
(WHTM) — The state has added a new security feature for SNAP recipients. According to the Department of Human Services (DHS), the new ConnectEBT system allows recipients to lock their digital EBT cards when not in use. This is in response to some EBT cards being drained by thieves, usually through a skimming device placed on card readers at grocery stores. The DHS says locking an EBT card blocks all purchases, balance inquiries, and transactions to keep benefits secure. EBT cardholders should always lock their card when it is not in use, then simply unlock them before making a purchase. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'When someone's SNAP benefits are stolen from their EBT card, that means they may not be able to feed themselves or their families that month,' said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. 'That is unacceptable. DHS has been working diligently with our partners in OSIG to ensure that the benefits we administer stay with the Pennsylvanians who need them. We are proud to announce this new card lock safety feature that allows you to lock your EBT card when not in use to protect your SNAP and cash benefits from skimming and theft. I encourage all Pennsylvanians who receive SNAP or other cash benefits to download the free, secure ConnectEBT app and take advantage of the easy-to-use locking feature today.' For those who forget to lock their card, the new system will automatically do that after not being used for half an hour. To see a how-to video on how to use this new security feature, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
