July 13th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

West Virginia is reminding residents that participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP that there is a heightened risk of EBT card fraud and stolen benefits. The Department of Health and Human Resources for the state has recently received several reports of card skimming, phishing, and cloning scams to steal SNAP benefits. The theft of SNAP benefits is punishable under federal and state law and can include imprisonment and financial penalties, including suspension from participating in the SNAP program.  The DHHR can replace stolen EBT benefits retroactive to October 1, 2022. West Virginia residents who believe benefits have been stolen through card skimming, phishing, or cloning should contact their local DHHR office or call 1-877-716-1212 to file a claim.