Federal Bill Would Upgrade EBT Cards to Prevent 'Skimming' Thefts

"EBT card theft is a huge, huge problem. In New York alone, in the first six months of last year, $14 million of SNAP benefits were stolen. We get these complaints all the time to our office."

"Nationally, an estimated $555 million in SNAP funds are vulnerable to theft in the coming years if officials don't boost cybersecurity, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General."

"Thousands of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) users have been victims of what is known as 'skimming'—in which thieves use hidden electronic devices at checkout machines to steal people's card information."

EBT card theft through skimming—where thieves use hidden devices to steal card information—has become a widespread problem affecting thousands of SNAP users. In New York alone, $14 million in SNAP benefits were stolen in the first six months of the previous year. Nationally, an estimated $555 million in SNAP funds remain vulnerable to theft without enhanced cybersecurity measures. Congressman Dan Goldman introduced the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act, co-sponsored with Republican Mike Lawler, to equip EBT cards with security chips similar to modern debit and credit cards. The bill has bipartisan support and multiple sponsors in the House, addressing a critical vulnerability in the food assistance program.

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