Ohio Cracks Down on SNAP Fraud with New Card Security Measures
Starting May 13, Ohio is rolling out enhanced protections for its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to combat rising fraud, particularly targeting out-of-state and online transactions. The move aims to safeguard vulnerable families who rely on food assistance while curbing the misuse of taxpayer dollars.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) announced that SNAP cards will automatically default to a “block high-risk transaction” status. This means cardholders must unlock their cards before making any online or out-of-state purchases. Once unlocked, users will be prompted to set a time frame—30, 60, or 90 minutes—after which the card will automatically relock.
Matt Damschroder, Director of ODJFS, emphasized that these measures are designed to protect Ohioans from criminals who exploit food assistance programs. “Criminals from other states and online continue to prey on vulnerable Ohioans who rely on food assistance to feed their families,” he said. “The new automatic card-lock feature will require customers to unlock their card when making an out-of-state or online purchase. It’s a simple step that still allows for out-of-state and online purchases while dramatically reducing the risk of theft.”
The decision follows extensive data analysis revealing a surge in fraudulent activities. Over the past six months, ODJFS detected nearly 56,000 suspicious out-of-state transactions affecting 12,900 Ohio EBT accounts, totaling more than $6.3 million in losses. Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, and New Jersey accounted for the majority of these fraudulent transactions, many of which occurred online and after midnight.
How the New System Works
Cardholders can manage their card’s lock status through three convenient methods:
- Online at ConnectEBT.com
- Via the official ConnectEBT app
- By calling 1-866-386-3071
Damschroder encouraged SNAP recipients to activate the “lock everywhere” feature immediately to secure their benefits. “When the new security enhancements go into effect in May, most cardholders will experience minimal impacts from this change,” he said. “A vast majority of cardholders do not use their benefits online or out-of-state. And even if they might need to, manually unlocking your card is fast and straightforward.”
A Broader Effort to Combat Fraud
The initiative is part of Ohio’s broader strategy to protect SNAP funds and ensure they reach those who truly need them. By blocking high-risk transactions, the state aims to deter criminals and reduce fraud while maintaining accessibility for legitimate users.
The Summer EBT/Sun Bucks program, which provides additional nutritional support to eligible families during summer months, will also benefit from these enhanced security measures.
A Growing National Trend
Ohio’s move reflects a growing trend among states to address SNAP fraud, which has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years. Skimming devices at retailers, fraudulent online purchases, and cross-state scams have strained resources and highlighted the need for stronger safeguards.
As Ohio implements these changes, officials urge SNAP recipients to stay vigilant and take advantage of the new tools available to protect their benefits. For many families, these additional layers of security could mean the difference between putting food on the table and falling victim to fraud.
— Reported by Nexio News
