Protect Your SNAP Benefits: Essential Tips to Prevent Fraud and Theft in Colorado!

Race Day Live  DENVER — One in eight Americans, including 600,000 people in Colorado, depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to afford food.

Unfortunately, thieves have been targeting these benefits using skimming devices to steal information from EBT cards, leaving families in distress.

A Family’s Struggle with SNAP Theft

Dalerie, a rideshare driver in Colorado, shared her experience with FOX31. Over the past few months, her family has faced financial difficulties due to a lack of work.

Her husband’s handyman business has been slow, and they’ve been relying on SNAP benefits to support their family of six.

Two weeks ago, when Dalerie took her kids grocery shopping, she discovered that her SNAP benefits had been stolen.

“It said declined, declined, declined,” she recounted. Upon checking her account, she found receipts showing unauthorized transactions at grocery stores in Firestone—miles away from her home.

“Six hundred dollars, $400 charges, and another $100 charge,” Dalerie explained. “I had to tell the kids, ‘I’m sorry guys, we can’t pay for these today.’”

How Thieves Are Stealing SNAP Benefits?

Thieves use skimmers and cloning devices to access electronic benefits from EBT cards. Once stolen, the funds are not reimbursed, leaving victims like Dalerie scrambling to make ends meet. Now, her family relies on the local food bank to get by.

“Just trying to look at what’s left in the cabinets, what meats I really have, and trying to stretch it,” she said.

Federal Action and Its Limits

In 2022, a law was signed by former President Joe Biden allowing states to use federal funds to reimburse victims of SNAP theft. However, this provision was not included in the 2024 funding bill.

Some lawmakers are now urging Congress to reinstate the reimbursement provision in the upcoming Farm Bill to protect millions of SNAP users from electronic fraud.

Without such measures, families already struggling to afford necessities remain vulnerable.

“I know we’ll make it through life; I just don’t know how,” Dalerie said. “We just take it day by day and pray and be thankful for what we do have.”

Steps to Protect SNAP Benefits

The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) recommends several ways for SNAP users to safeguard their benefits:

1. Freeze Your EBT Card When Not in Use
   Use the MyCoBenefits or ebtEDGE mobile apps to freeze your card when you’re not using it. These apps are available for download on both Apple and Google Play stores.
2. Set Transaction Restrictions
   Cardholders can place restrictions on their accounts through the ebtEDGE app or the Cardholder Portal, adding an extra layer of security.
3. Change Your PIN Regularly
   CDHS advises changing your PIN at least one month before your benefits are posted. This helps reduce the risk of fraud.

Read More:

• Texans Prepare for Sweeping Changes to SNAP: Healthy Eating Takes Center Stage!
• Texas SNAP Recipients to Receive Monthly Benefits Ranging from $2,005 to $4,832 Starting This Week

The Call for Policy Changes

Lawmakers and advocates are pushing for stronger protections for SNAP users. Reinstating federal reimbursement provisions would provide relief for families impacted by theft.

However, until changes are made, users must take proactive steps to secure their benefits.

Supporting Families in Need

For families like Dalerie’s, every day presents a new challenge. The loss of SNAP benefits means difficult choices and relying on food banks to fill the gap.

While federal and state efforts continue to address the issue, raising awareness about protecting EBT cards is crucial. Freezing your card, updating your PIN, and using transaction restrictions are small but effective steps to avoid falling victim to theft.

By taking action and pushing for policy changes, communities can better protect vulnerable families and ensure SNAP benefits reach those who truly need them.