The security of SNAP benefits cards (EBT cards) has been under scrutiny for years due to the lack of protective measures, especially in states where those cards don’t have a chop, forcing users to rely on the magnetic stripe. This vulnerability increases the risk of becoming victims of skimmers or card cloners, devices used by fraudsters to steal information and take advantage of the money available on the cards for illicit activities.
SNAP benefits cards, like the Lone Star Card in Texas, work similarly to credit or debit cards, which makes them susceptible to this type of fraud. If you suspect that your benefits have been stolen by fraud, such as card theft or cloning, here in Texas is how to determine if you are eligible and how to apply for replacement of your benefits.
Who Can Claim Replacement of Stolen SNAP Benefits?
Benefit replacement is available for those beneficiaries whose funds were fraudulently stolen from their Lone Star card between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2024. The maximum amount that Texas will replace will not exceed the value of the stolen benefits or the equivalent of 2 months of your SNAP allowances, whichever is less.
How long does it take to receive the replaced benefits if approved? Most beneficiaries who apply for fraud replacement and prove that they were victims will receive a new Lone Star card with the replaced benefits within 10 days of submitting Form H1855, an affidavit on the unauthorized non-use of electronic transfer benefits.
When can I apply for replacement SNAP benefits in Texas?
If you believe your SNAP benefits were stolen by fraud, you have exactly 30 days from the date of the incident to request a replacement. For those thefts that occurred between October 1, 2022 and May 30, 2023, you had until August 29, 2023 to request the replacement.
How to apply for replacement SNAP benefits for fraud?
Once you receive your new Lone Star card, change the PIN immediately and request the refund. You can do this by logging into the Your Texas Benefits app to apply for a new card and change your PIN, or by calling Lone Star Technical support at 800-777-7328. You can also visit the nearest local HHSC office for help and more information about claims and appeals in case of denial of the replacement by mistake.
Tips to Avoid Fraud With Your Lone Star Card
Protect your Lone Star card by keeping it in a safe place and never write your PIN on the card or on its case, and never share it with anyone else. Regularly check your purchases and verify the balance by calling Lone Star support, accessing your account at YourTexasBenefits.com or using the Your Texas Benefits mobile app. Change your PIN regularly, at least once a month, by calling the Lone Star help desk at 800-777-7328 or through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app. You can also freeze, unfreeze, and apply for a new card by calling Lone Star Card support or using the Your Texas Benefits mobile app.
Remember that Texas Health and Human Services will never ask for your card number or PIN by phone, text message or email. If you detect suspicious activity on a card reader, inform the retailer immediately. When you go to use your card in a store, look carefully at the card reader to detect any irregularities, since skimmers are devices that are placed on readers to steal information.
