Rhode Island has seen a huge rise in EBT card fraud. In just one week, about $500,000 was stolen from cards in Providence, Cranston, and Pawtucket.

Over 1,800 people using SNAP benefits were affected, according to the R.I. Department of Human Services (DHS). State officials say the fraud is not connected to the recent cyberattack that might have affected over 700,000 Rhode Islanders.

Fraud caused by skimming devices

The fraud happened because of skimming devices. These devices are small tools that thieves attach to payment machines. They steal people’s EBT card info while they are buying groceries or other things.

Richard Vasquez, a Providence resident, found out his EBT card had no money when he tried to use it at a store. “I was just baffled because I knew I didn’t use any,” he said. Without money on the card, he doesn’t know how he’ll buy food for his family.

“Are you supposed to tell your kids, ‘Don’t eat all the food right now, you need to save some for later?’” Vasquez asked.

The level of fraud in context

To understand how much fraud has happened in just one week, it helps to look at past numbers. In January, federal officials said they had reimbursed $411,000 in stolen SNAP benefits for 1,047 claims in all of 2023 and 2024.

This time, federal officials won’t cover the stolen funds. Now, it’s up to states to decide how to handle these losses. Rhode Island has not included any money in its next budget to cover stolen benefits. That means people might not be able to get their money back if it’s stolen.

State leaders are listening

DHS Director Kimberly Merolla-Brito said the situation has caused a lot of concern for SNAP users. “The end of federal reimbursement has created more problems for customers,” she said.

State officials believe most of the fraud happened at one location, but they did not say where. Gov. Dan McKee suggested that people contact the human services department if they have concerns. “They’re the ones who are managing these cards,” he said.

Vasquez hopes state leaders will take action to help people who lose their SNAP benefits. He believes that Rhode Islanders will suffer because of the fraud.

How to protect yourself from EBT fraud

If you think you might be a victim of EBT fraud, you can call 1-855-697-4347 for help. State officials also recommend these steps to keep your card safe:

• Change your PIN often and check your balance regularly.
• Don’t share your PIN with anyone. DHS will never ask for your PIN or EBT card number.
• To change your PIN, call ebtEdge at 1-888-979-9939.

Freezing your card is the best way to protect your benefits. The instructions to freeze your card are on the DHS website. You need to lock and unlock your card before and after any transaction.

What to Do if You’re a Victim

If you believe you were targeted by fraud, you can visit the Department of Administration’s Fraud Detection and Prevention Unit.