How Indiana SNAP Users Can Protect Their Benefits

If you receive SNAP benefits in Indiana, there’s an important update you need to know.

According to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, stolen SNAP benefits can no longer be replaced in most cases, making it more important than ever to protect your EBT card.

Why SNAP Benefits May Not Be Replaced

Federal funding changes mean Indiana cannot reimburse SNAP benefits stolen through:

• Card skimming
• Card cloning
• Similar fraud methods

Officials say any SNAP benefits stolen on or after December 21, 2024, cannot be replaced.

That means if your benefits are stolen, they could be gone for good, and making prevention your best protection.

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New Tool Helps Protect Your EBT Card

To help reduce the risk of fraud, Indiana now offers a card lock feature through the EBT system.

Using the ConnectEBT portal, you can lock your card when it’s not in use and unlock it when you need it.

How To Lock And Unlock Your EBT Card

Here’s how to use the feature:

• Log in or create an account at the ConnectEBT website
• Select the “Lock/Unlock” option
• Choose “lock my card everywhere” and submit
• Unlock your card when you’re ready to use it

This is currently the most effective way to prevent unauthorized use.

Read More: New Indiana Law Lowers Driving Age Beginning July 1, 2026

Tips To Keep Your Benefits Safe

State officials recommend a few simple steps to protect your account:

• Avoid easy PINs like 1234 or 1111
• Never share your PIN or card number
• Cover the keypad when entering your PIN
• Change your PIN regularly
• Be cautious of calls or texts asking for your information

They also warn that if your card is skimmed, your PIN is likely compromised.

How EBT Scams Are Happening Right Now

Officials say most EBT theft happens through a method called card skimming.

This is when criminals secretly install devices on card readers at places like:

• Gas stations
• ATMs
• Checkout terminals

These devices can capture your card number and PIN when you swipe your card.

In some cases, scammers don’t even need a physical device. They may use phishing scams, sending texts or calls pretending to be from a government agency asking for your card number or PIN.

Once they have your information, they can quickly drain your benefits—often before you even realize anything is wrong.

What Card Skimming Can Look Like In Real Life

It’s not always obvious when a card reader has been tampered with, but there are a few warning signs to watch for:

• A loose or unusual card reader
• Keypads that feel thicker or harder to press
• Devices that look different from nearby machines
• Being asked to enter your PIN more than once

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s best to stop the transaction and use another machine.

What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen

Unfortunately, SNAP benefits cannot be replaced if they are stolen.

However, if you receive TANF benefits, you may still be eligible for reimbursement in certain cases involving fraud. If you believe your TANF benefits have been stolen, you're encouraged to email EBTfraud@fssa.in.gov.