MEDIA CONTACT
Collin Spilinek, (531) 739-7920,
collin.spilinek@nebraska.gov
Lincoln, NE – The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is acting against recent instances of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) fraud impacting households in Nebraska. The majority of recent fraud cases are occurring in the Lincoln region, but have impacted nearby areas as well.
Three skimmers have been confiscated in the Lincoln area.
DHHS investigators have visited multiple retail locations throughout Nebraska and have confiscated three skimming devices to date. Through working with Nebraska's EBT vendor, Fidelity Information Services (FIS), DHHS has identified and blocked two out-of-state retailers in New York and California, preventing them from stealing additional funds from Nebraska EBT cards. DHHS has notified local authorities and will continue its investigation to identify and remove any additional devices to hold those responsible accountable.
“DHHS continues to work closely with law enforcement, our EBT vendors, and internal investigators to locate any remaining skimming devices," said Shannon Grotrian, Director of the Office of Economic Assistance. “We remain vigilant and are committed to stopping all attempts of fraud against Nebraskans."
It is estimated that more than 130 households have been affected, with the majority of cases coming out of Lincoln.
Skimming devices are used by criminals to capture information entered on card readers. These devices often resemble legitimate card readers but may be slightly larger, create an unusual lip or edge, or have thinner buttons. Consumers should be alert for any card reader that appears loose, crooked, damaged, or otherwise altered. Other ways to prevent fraudulent activity on an EBT card include:
- Changing the PIN often. Changing the PIN at the end of each month before benefits are deposited is recommended for extra security. Additionally, do not use common PINs for accounts in case another account is breached.
- Downloading the FIS ebtEDGE app. By installing this app to a mobile device or creating an account at https://ebtedge.com, participants can register an EBT card and have additional security options, including freezing a card between uses or blocking out-of-state transactions.
- Checking accounts regularly for unauthorized changes. ebtEDGE allows participants to view their transaction history and sign up for email notifications to monitor their account's activity.
- Beware of phishing attempts. DHHS and EBT processors will never call or text to ask for a PIN or card number, so be on the lookout for suspicious calls.
Individuals who believe their EBT benefits have been used fraudulently or have located a skimmer can contact local authorities to file a report. DHHS's Special Investigation Unit can also be contacted at (402) 595-3789 or DHHS.InvestigationsSIU@nebraska.gov.
For information on EBT card skimming, visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/EBT-Card-Skimming.aspx.