SIOUX FALLS – The Department of Social Services is asking SNAP recipients to safeguard themselves against theft by changing their SNAP personal identification numbers (PIN) immediately.

A recent discovery revealed that more than 350 SNAP beneficiaries in the Sioux Falls area had their benefits stolen.

Data shows that a skimming device appears to have been placed at a at local retailer, Walmart Supercenter on East Arrowwood Parkway in Sioux Falls. A similar mechanism was discovered to have been placed at Dollar General stores in Sioux Falls. The device allowed another party to gain access to individuals’ SNAP account numbers and PIN numbers. The transactions were then processed out-of-state using the stolen information.

DSS has since taken measures to limit out of state transactions. The EBT vendor is working with local retailers to regularly inspect terminals to make sure the physical skimming devices have not been added.

Retailers should regularly check their machines for skimming devices. SNAP recipients are urged to take several precautions to protect their benefits from misuse:

• Change your PIN often. Choose a PIN that no one else will know or could easily guess.
• Stay up to date. Review transactions, deposit history, and manage card settings regularly.
• From the eptEDGE Mobile app, users can:
  • Block online and out-of-state transactions. You can stop your card from being used online or in other states by adjusting your settings in the EBT App or Cardholder Portal.
  • Freeze their card. Freeze your card until you are ready to use your benefit. This will lock all card activity so no one else can use it.
  • Sign up for alerts. Get text or email notifications for benefit deposits, PIN changes, card status, and more by registering through the FIS ebtEDGE app or portal.

Individuals who feel they have had benefits stolen should report the theft to law enforcement.

More information can be found at dss.sd.gov or by calling your local DSS office.

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The South Dakota Department of Social Services is dedicated to strengthening families to foster health, wellbeing, and independence. For more information, please visit dss.sd.gov.