Someone Stole My EBT Card and Used It: What to Do Immediately (2026 Guide)
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If you discover that someone stole my EBT card and used it, the most important thing is acting fast. Unauthorized transactions can drain your benefits before you notice.
This guide explains the first signs of fraud, what to do right away, how reimbursement works, and the tools you can use to keep your SNAP balance safe.
1. First Signs Someone Used Your EBT Card Without Permission
When you suspect someone stole my EBT card and used it, the earliest clues often show up in your transaction history. EBT theft is more common than people realize, and many cases happen even when the physical card never leaves your wallet. Knowing these warning signs helps you act fast before more of your benefits disappear.
1.1. Unexpected Balance Drops
One of the most common red flags is a balance that is suddenly much lower than expected. If your benefits decrease overnight or you see a reduction that doesn’t match your recent grocery trips, it may mean someone has copied your card using a skimmer or stolen your information through a phishing scam.
1.2. Transactions in Another City or State
Many victims first notice fraud when they see purchases in locations far from where they live. Skimming devices often send stolen card data to organized groups that withdraw benefits in another city or state. If you see activity in a place you haven’t visited, your card information has likely been compromised.
1.3. Benefits Disappearing Right After Being Loaded
A large number of theft cases occur early in the morning on the day benefits are issued. Criminals program stolen card numbers to run transactions automatically the moment funds arrive.
If your entire monthly SNAP amount is gone within minutes of being deposited, someone is using your benefits illegally.
2. What To Do Immediately If Someone Stole and Used Your EBT Card
If you discover that someone stole my EBT card and used it, acting quickly is essential. Most states require immediate reporting, and documenting the fraud right away increases your chances of recovering your benefits if reimbursement is available in your state.
Step 1: Freeze Your EBT Card
Many states now allow you to lock or freeze your EBT card through official tools such as the ebtEDGE app, ConnectEBT. Freezing your card stops new transactions and prevents thieves from draining whatever balance remains. If your state offers advanced security tools (like blocking out-of-state or online transactions), enable them immediately.
Step 2: Call Your State EBT Customer Service
Turn your card over and call the toll-free number listed on the back. Tell the representative that your EBT card was stolen or used without your permission. They can check recent transactions, secure your account, and guide you through the fraud report process. Be ready to confirm:
- Your name
- Your card number
- The date and time you noticed the suspicious activity
Step 3: Request a Replacement EBT Card
After the fraud is reported, you must request a new EBT card and PIN. This ensures the thief cannot continue using your stolen card information. Most states mail replacement cards overnight or within 3–7 business days. Some allow in-person pickup at a local office.
Step 4: Report the Fraud to Your State Agency
Each state has its own SNAP fraud-reporting procedure. Typically, you must:
- File a written fraud claim
- Document any unauthorized transactions
- Provide dates and amounts stolen
Reporting the theft formally creates a record with your state’s SNAP office, which is necessary if you live in a state that reimburses stolen benefits.
3. Can You Get Stolen EBT Benefits Back?
Whether you can recover stolen benefits depends on when the theft happened and which state you live in. A federal rule change in 2024 significantly affected reimbursement eligibility.
3.1. The Federal Law Change
The federal reimbursement program that allowed states to replace stolen SNAP benefits ended on December 20, 2024. This means:
- The federal government no longer reimburses states for replacing stolen EBT funds.
- Most states stopped offering reimbursements after this deadline.
Any theft that occurred after December 20, 2024, is generally not eligible for federal replacement.
3.2. States That Reimburse Stolen EBT Benefits
Even though the federal reimbursement window closed, some states continue to cover stolen benefits using their own funds. As of 2025–2026, states known to continue reimbursement include:
- California
- Maryland
If you live in one of these states, you may still qualify for replacement as long as you report the theft quickly and submit required documentation.
Other states may add reimbursement programs later, so always check with your local SNAP office.
3.3. What You Must Submit
If your state offers reimbursement, you will typically be asked to provide:
- A statement explaining what happened
- Dates and amounts of the fraudulent transactions
- Screenshots or transaction history from your EBT app
- Proof that you reported the theft promptly
- A copy of your ID or case information
Some states also require you to certify that you did not share your PIN with anyone. Submitting complete documentation increases the chance that your stolen SNAP benefits will be restored.
4. How to Protect Your EBT Card From Future Theft
After dealing with a situation where someone stole my EBT card and used it, it’s important to strengthen your card security so it doesn’t happen again. While EBT cards don’t have the same protections as credit or debit cards, simple habits can significantly reduce your risk.
4.1. Change Your PIN Frequently
Thieves often steal EBT funds by capturing both your card number and PIN through skimmers or hidden cameras. Resetting your PIN regularly makes stolen data useless. You can change your PIN through:
- Your state’s EBT portal
- The EBT customer service phone line
- Approved mobile apps like ebtEDGE, ConnectEBT, or Propel
Consider changing your PIN before each monthly benefit deposit.
4.2. Only Use Trusted POS Locations
One of the most common reasons someone reports someone stole my EBT card and used it is card skimming at unsafe checkout machines. Before swiping your card:
- Check the card reader for loose parts, glue residue, or bulky attachments
- Wiggle the card slot, skimmers often feel unstable
- Avoid using standalone ATMs or small convenience store registers that look damaged or suspicious
If something feels off, ask a cashier for a different machine or pay at a staffed checkout lane.
4.3. Enable State-Specific EBT Security Tools
Many states now offer digital protections to help prevent situations where someone stole my EBT card and used it. Depending on your state, available tools may include:
- Card lock/unlock (temporarily disables your card when not in use)
- Block out-of-state transactions
- Block online transactions
- Suspicious activity alerts
- Real-time balance notifications
5. If You Receive SNAP/EBT, You May Qualify for Free Phone Service With AirTalk
If someone stole my EBT card and used it, having fast, reliable communication is essential for reporting fraud and protecting your benefits. Many SNAP households don’t realize they may qualify for free monthly phone service and even a free smartphone through the federal Lifeline Program, available from providers such as AirTalk Wireless.
5.1. Why Having a Reliable Phone Helps in Fraud Situations
When someone stole my EBT card and used it, timing is everything. You must act quickly, freeze the card, report unauthorized transactions, upload documents, and speak with state support. A working phone ensures you can:
- Contact your state’s EBT hotline immediately
- Receive fraud alerts or balance notifications
- Track replacement card updates
- Use app like ebtEDGEl for real-time monitoring
A dependable phone can prevent additional losses and help you respond instantly to suspicious activity.
5.2. Lifeline Eligibility Through SNAP
Because SNAP is an approved qualifying program for Lifeline, most SNAP recipients meet the basic eligibility requirements. You only need to:
- Provide proof of SNAP participation (if your state cannot verify automatically)
- Confirm your identity with a valid ID
- Submit your application online through a Lifeline provider
Once approved, your Lifeline discount covers phone service every month at no cost.
5.3. AirTalk Wireless Benefits
AirTalk Wireless is one of the most trusted Lifeline providers, especially for SNAP users. Depending on your state, eligible applicants may receive:
- A free smartphone (popular models often include iPhone 7, iPhone 8, Samsung Galaxy S9, and others)
- Free monthly talk and text
- Free or discounted mobile data
- Option to get a discounted tablet with a small one-time copay
- A free eSIM for compatible devices
AirTalk makes the application process simple: just enter your ZIP code, choose your plan, and submit your documents if required.
6. Conclusion
Dealing with EBT fraud is stressful, especially when someone stole my EBT card and used it without your knowledge. Acting quickly, reporting unauthorized charges, and securing your account are the best steps to protect future benefits. Many states now offer tools that help safeguard your card, and SNAP households can also access helpful programs like Lifeline to stay connected. Staying alert and using the security options available can make a major difference in preventing future losses.
FAQs
Can someone use your EBT card without having the card?
Yes. If someone has both your card number and PIN, they can make unauthorized transactions even without physically holding the card.
What should I do if my food stamp card was stolen?
If your food stamp card stolen situation happens, freeze the card right away, call your state EBT hotline, request a replacement, and review recent transactions for fraud.
How do I file an EBT fraud report?
To submit an EBT fraud report, contact your state’s SNAP office or the customer service number on the back of your card. They will guide you through documenting unauthorized charges.
Can someone hack your food stamp card?
Yes. Skimmers, phishing texts, and fake customer-service calls are common ways scammers can access your information, which is why people often ask, “can someone hack your food stamp card?”
What should I do if my EBT card was hacked?
If you discover my EBT card was hacked, report it immediately, request a replacement card, and ask your state agency whether stolen benefits can be reimbursed based on current rules.
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