CLEVELAND, Ohio — County officials say there has been a spike in reports of people having their food assistance benefits stolen by thieves using card skimmers.
Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services cited a “significant increase” across the county in electronic thefts of Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program benefits.
The thefts, targeting Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, are carried out by devices that thieves attach to card readers to copy information contained on the card. Criminals then use the information to steal from the cardholder’s accounts, the county said.
Cuyahoga Job and Family Services said that people with SNAP EBT cards should change their PIN just before their load date and download the ConnectEBT smartphone app, so they can lock and unlock their card from their cellphone.
The county also has an online SNAP EBT and Cash Cards Safety Tips flyer with more information about keeping benefits safe.
Anyone who suspects they have had their benefits stolen should contact the Cuyahoga County Public Assistance Fraud Hotline at 216-987-6950, or report suspected public assistance fraud online.
