Little Rock, Arkansas – As reports of stolen benefits continue to rise across Arkansas, Attorney General Tim Griffin is sharing advice to help residents protect their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards from scammers. Griffin’s office issued a warning this week after several Arkansans reported that their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits had been stolen and used out of state.
“This leaves the most vulnerable of Arkansans without the funds they need to purchase groceries,” Griffin said in a statement. He explained that fraudsters are becoming more aggressive and creative, often targeting people who rely on these benefits to feed their families.
According to Griffin, thieves are using various tactics to access EBT funds. Some are placing skimming devices on store card readers to steal account information during purchases. Others attempt to trick recipients through phishing scams or by impersonating government officials in phone calls, texts, or emails.
Griffin emphasized that the best way to avoid falling victim is through increased vigilance. He encouraged SNAP users to be proactive in protecting their accounts by following some simple but effective safety measures.
One key tip Griffin provided is to protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN). “Never share your PIN with anyone, and make it something others would be unlikely to guess (but that you can still remember),” Griffin said. He also recommended resetting your PIN each month as an added layer of protection.
Another important precaution is to inspect card readers before using them. Griffin urged people to take a moment to check point-of-sale machines for any attachments or devices that seem suspicious before swiping their cards. Skimming devices are often small and can be hard to spot, but paying attention can prevent theft.
Griffin also advised monitoring EBT accounts regularly to catch any unauthorized transactions early. Reporting suspicious activity immediately can help minimize the damage. “Avoid using EBT cards online, when possible,” he added, noting that online transactions come with additional risks of fraud.
He reminded Arkansans that legitimate government agencies will never contact individuals through email or text asking for their PIN or account details. Any such message should be treated as a scam attempt.
For those who believe they have been victims of SNAP fraud, Griffin said it’s important to act quickly. Victims should report the issue to their local SNAP office right away. Additionally, filing a police report and notifying the Arkansas Department of Human Services can help authorities investigate the fraud.
Reports can be made online at ar.gov/snapfraud. Victims may also contact the Office of the Arkansas Attorney General directly at (501) 682-2007, by emailing [email protected], or by visiting https://arkansasag.gov/file-a-complaint.
Griffin’s message comes as part of a broader effort to educate the public on how to stay safe from scams, particularly those targeting people already facing financial hardship.
