By: Follow South Jersey Staff
CHERRY HILL, N.J — A recent trend in skimming devices and stolen Families First Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card benefits has been occurring throughout the county warns the Camden County Board of Social Services.
According to the board, skimming devices, typically disguised under normal card readers, are used by criminals to copy and store a customer’s bank or credit card information.
“This has been a disturbing trend happening far too often throughout the state and in our community,” Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the Board of Social Services, said in a press release from the county. “We are monitoring this situation and want to spread awareness to our residents so that no one will have to deal with this theft. The most important thing for residents to do now is to monitor their bank accounts, credit card statements, and their NJ Families First account to watch for any suspicious activity. Be extra vigilant if you made purchases last month at the Save-A-Lot, at 3949 Federal St. in Pennsauken and the 7-Eleven at 521 W. Kings Highway in Mt. Ephraim.”
In March, skimming devices were found in stores in Pennsauken and Mt. Ephraim, the board stated in a press release. Also, throughout the last month, the Board has received more than 200 reports of stolen EBT benefits. Once a skimming device has your information, your credit, debit or EBT cards can be used to make purchases.
The board also stated that once EBT funds have been stolen, they cannot be reimbursed so the Board of Social Services is encouraging EBT users to utilize the lock function on their cards. To lock the card, follow these steps:
- Log into your account on NJFamiliesFirst.com or the ConnectEBT app.
- In the app, tap “lock/unlock card,” online click “lock/unlock card” in the top right corner.
- Select “lock my card everywhere,” in the app or click “submit,” on the website.
When you are ready to use your benefits, log into the app or website and tap “lock/unlock card.”
“We encourage residents who have noticed suspicious activity on their accounts or at card readers to report it to their local police department immediately,” Camden County Prosecutor Grace MacAulay stated. “If something does not look right, please let authorities know. We will not tolerate criminals using skimming devices to steal from our community.”
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