Beware of Scams

Beware of active scams in which thieves are using card-swiping machines to steal personal information from debit and credit cards. In some cases, skimmers have been used to steal EBT card information. The thieves clone client EBT cards and are able to access and steal the benefits. Look for cameras focused on the ATM and any unusual mechanisms in the area where you slide your card. Report any suspicious activity to the ATM owner and to your local authorities.

The State of West Virginia does not offer a smartphone application (app) for EBT.

For all WV EBT Mountain State Card recipients - if you want to monitor your EBT account activity using your mobile device, there is one mobile app that is approved for WV EBT. It is ebtEDGE and it can be found in the APP Stores for Samsung and Apple products. It is important that you select ebtEDGE and not another mobile app. The ebtEDGE app is the only app that is administered by our WV EBT vendor, FIS. If you have been using another mobile app, please delete that app and replace it with ebtEDGE. As always, if you have any questions about your EBT card, contact the EBT Office at 304.558.4126.

Please be aware!

It has been reported that EBT cardholders in VA have received a text stating that their EBT card is blocked. The text instructs the cardholder to enter the 16 digit card number and the PIN to remove the block. Shortly after the cardholder follows the instructions, the card has no funds.

Illegal phone apps try to get personal information and access to EBT benefits. Cardholders should never give out the EBT card and/or personal identification number (PIN) in any website or smartphone.

One scam is tricking smartphone users into using fake apps that ask for banking information, ID, password, card number, and/or a PIN. Smartphone users should not use apps that ask for personal information.

Scams offering a “free government cell phone” or “free gift cards” ask for personal information, card number and/or PIN.

New benefit recipients are contacted by a “protection plan” company that says they are part of the state program. They ask for personal information from cardholders.

"Concerned citizens" post warnings about EBT card security and give a telephone number similar to a real customer service helpline telephone number (maybe one number is different). A cardholder calls the number, and then is asked for personal information, account number, and a PIN.

** IMPORTANT MESSAGE**

As of December 21, 2024, the Federal Government suspended reimbursement for EBT benefits fraudulently removed from EBT cards. They can not be replaced.

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DoHS Urges EBT Cardholders to Take Steps Now to Protect Benefits from Skimming

4/17/2025

The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), is urging Mountain State EBT cardholders to take proactive steps now to protect their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from skimming fraud ahead of May benefit issuance.

Accross the country, reports of skimming devices on card readers have increased. These devices steal card numbers and PINs, allowing thieves to access benefits, often in other states, before cardholders even realize their accounts have been compromised.

"This is about taking preventive steps to protect yourself from card skimming," said Janie Cole, DoHS Bureau for Family Assistance Commissioner. "SNAP benefits help put food on the table for thousands of West Virginia families. We want every cardholder to know how to protect their benefits before they are at risk."

DoHS encourages all EBT cardholders to:

Check the Card Reader: Before inserting your card, inspect the machine for loose parts, tape, wires, or anything that looks unusual. If it seems suspicious, report it to store staff before proceeding with your transaction.
Change your PIN Monthly: Update your PIN at the beginning of each month before your benefits are issued. Even if your card number is stolen, it won't be usable without the new PIN.
Block Out-of-State Transactions: Go to ebtEDGE.com or use the FIS ebtEDGE mobile app (look for the fried egg icon) to block out-of-state transactions. You can unblock them at any time when needed.

If you believe your card has been compromised, contact:

Office of EBT: 304-558-4126
WV Customer Service: 877-716-1212
FIS Customer Service: 866-545-6502

DoHS will share these reminders through social media, and online platforms to ensure as many cardholders as possible are prepared before the May SNAP benefits are issued.

"If your EBT card and PIN are stolen, your benefits can disappear before you even realize what happened," said Jacquelyn Hoppe, Office of EBT Director. "Taking a few quick steps now can save you a lot of frustration later."

To apply for SNAP visit www.wvpath.wv.gov, visit your local DoHS office for a paper application, or call 1-866-545-6502 for assistance.

Contact Information

DoHSCommunications@wv.gov