With a rise in reported cases of theft of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is urging people to take extra precautions to protect themselves.

Claims of SNAP theft soared by 121% in January, as there were 2,697 reports in December compared to 5,968 in January. The average claim amount was about $470, according to Birabwa Kajubi, an associate commissioner of quality management with DTA.

“There have been ebbs and flows, but we are experiencing an uptick right now,” Kajubi said. “Even when we have relatively low thefts, it’s still unacceptable.”

Kajubi said the most common ways in which SNAP benefits are stolen is through skimming devices placed on point-of-sale devices that copy an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card reader and its PIN, or through phishing scams. The phishing scams, Kajubi added, often appear as a text message claiming a recipient’s card has been deactivated and includes instructions to call a fraudulent number with the EBT card and PIN to have it unlocked.

While DTA does contact people through phone calls and text messages – as well as paper mail – Kajubi said the agency will never collect a client’s PIN or card information. If someone receives a phishing text, they should not interact with it and delete it.

One of the newest ways for people to protect their SNAP benefits is to lock their EBT cards, a new feature launched by the state in November 2024. Cards can be locked and unlocked through the DTA Connect mobile app – available on both the Google Play and Apple app stores – or by visiting the state’s web portal at dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov.

Benefits cannot be stolen if an EBT card is locked. DTA clients are also encouraged to change their EBT card’s PIN at least once a month before benefits are issued.

“That’s the best way to currently protect against theft,” said Kajubi, adding that while seniors are most vulnerable to phishing scams, everyone should be vigilant about skimmers at stores and ATMs.

DTA’s advice to clients comes at a time when the federal law authorizing reimbursement for stolen SNAP benefits has lapsed, which means any benefits stolen after Dec. 20, 2024, cannot be reimbursed.

While funds stolen after Dec. 20 cannot be reimbursed, Kabuji and DTA are still advising people to report all thefts to the department, as federal funding may become available at a later date and having a record may help in the reimbursement process.

For additional information on EBT card security measures and advice on how to protect DTA benefits, visit mass.gov/info-details/protect-your-benefits-from-scams.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.