Reports of SNAP benefits fraud on the rise in Mississippi

MISSISSIPPI — The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) is urging residents to take precautions to protect their SNAP benefits amid a recent rise in fraud reports.

The MDHS Office of Inspector General reported an increase in stolen SNAP benefits in the Jackson metro area and nearby regions. Officials warned that stolen benefits can no longer be replaced by the department.

To help protect benefits, MDHS advises recipients to change their PIN after each use. The department also released an instructional video explaining how to update PINs.

Additional safety tips from MDHS include:

• Change your PIN the night before benefits are loaded each month.
• Avoid easily guessed PINs such as “1234” or repeated digits like “0000” or “1111.”
• Keep your PIN secret, do not share it outside your household, and cover the keypad when entering it.
• Regularly check your EBT account for unauthorized charges. Call the Mississippi EBT cardholder service center at 1-866-512-5087 immediately if your card is compromised.
• Inspect card readers for suspicious devices or overlays before using them.

Officials noted that it could take only minutes for thieves to capture a card number and PIN and use it online. MDHS is working with its vendor to enhance security measures and coordinating with local and state law enforcement to investigate and prosecute SNAP theft.

Residents are encouraged to report stolen SNAP benefits to the MDHS Office of Inspector General fraud hotline at 1-800-299-6905.