Oklahoma Human Services Warning Snap Users Of Card Skimmers

Oklahoma officials are warning people about fraudsters across the state. A person's financial information exists right on the black strip of a debit card. Scammers are stealing this data from people's cards that they cannot afford to lose.

“In a matter of minutes, they’re wiping out everything that people have,” said Michael Adams, a special agent with the Oklahoma Human Services Office of Inspector General. 

This form of theft affects people across the country and Oklahoma.  

“Nonstop. That number’s growing every day,” Adams said. “People‘s cards have been cloned. We use the word skimming but cloned would be more accurate.”

Adams said Oklahoma Human Services has received more than 100 reports of snap users falling victim to card skimming. 

“We’re about $120,000 worth of benefits that have been taken so far,” Adams said.

Unless they catch the thief, OHS cannot get people’s money back.  

“If a perpetrator is identified and charged, a judge could order restitution to have those benefits repaid,” Adams said.

However, there are some things people can do to protect their money. It's best to change your pin, monitor your account, and keep track of transactions. 

"Look for any unauthorized purchases," Adams said. "And if they see any unauthorized purchases, they can call the number on the back of the card."

People can also check the card reader they use during a transaction. Scammers place a piece of plastic over a card reader that steals card data. If it looks suspicious, do not use it. 

Anyone who has fallen victim to card skimming can call should call 1-888-328-6551 or visit connectebt.com 

Affected SNAP customers are also encouraged to contact their local police department or sheriff’s office to file a report and contact the Oklahoma Human Services Office of Inspector General at (800) 784-5887 or email oigfraud@okdhs.org. 

Retailers who find a card skimmer or detect tampering should stop using the affected device and immediately call their local police department, their card-reader equipment provider, and the USDA Office of Inspector General Hotline at 1-800-424-9121.