Louisiana DCFS Warns EBT Cardholders Of Skimming Scams

SHREVEPORT, LA - An alert has gone out about thieves trying to scam Louisiana residents. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is urging all EBT cardholders to change your PIN immediately. This alert comes after several skimming devices have been discovered retail locations around the state.

DCFS

Local and federal authorities have been notified and are investigating these incidents.

How to Avoid Being a Victim of Credit Card Thieves

One way to ensure you are not a victim of these skimming thieves is to simply avoid putting in your PIN number. Use the card as a credit card rather than a debit card. That way you don't have to put in a PIN. But that option is not available with EBT or SNAP cards.

DCFS has sent text alerts directly to EBT cardholders urging users to change PIN numbers immediately. For ongoing protection, DCFS also advises cardholders to update their PIN every 30 days to help safeguard their benefits.

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(Photo by Stephen Chernin/Getty Images)

DCFS urges all EBT cardholders take the following actions:

Change your EBT card PIN: Visit www.LifeInCheckEBT.com or call the EBT customer service line at 1-888-997-1117 as soon as possible. Select a unique PIN that is not easily guessable, avoiding common patterns or personal information.

Monitor EBT card activity: Regularly review your card transactions using the LifeInCheck EBT mobile app or by visiting the official website. Report any suspicious or unauthorized transactions immediately to the EBT customer service line.

Be cautious with card usage:

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Louisiana has implemented new security features for EBT cards, accessible via the LifeInCheck Cardholder portal (website only) or by phone. Cardholders can:

Set spending limits
Block out-of-state and online transactions
Access support at lifeincheckebt.com, or by calling 1-888-997-1117 (EBT Customer Service) or 1-888-524-3578 (DCFS Customer Service).