PROTECT LOW-INCOME NEW YORKERS FROM FRAUD

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation S.6088/A.4023-A to protect low-income New Yorkers from fraud by requiring stores accepting electronic benefit transfer cards to warn of skimming. Skimming occurs when a scammer installs a device at a point-of-sale terminal that skims the holders’ card data and pin number, allowing the scammer to drain the victim’s benefits. By raising awareness about skimming, this legislation will help prevent New Yorkers from falling victim to this practice and losing their SNAP benefits or cash assistance.

“From baby formula to fresh food, New Yorkers use their EBT cards to cover the cost of essential products to ensure their families are fed and healthy,” Governor Hochul said. “We are taking action to protect New Yorkers from scammers who steal money out of their pockets by making sure customers are aware of skimming and ensuring they know how to protect themselves from falling victim.”

Many New Yorkers are unaware of skimming until it’s too late. Once skimmers steal an individual’s card data and pin number, they have the ability to drain the victim’s benefits. Legislation S.6088/A.4023-A helps protect consumers by requiring businesses who accept EBT cards to place a sign at the point of sale containing a notice to make customers aware of the practice. Additionally, the legislation requires the notice to include steps customers can take to protect themselves and other resources.

State Senator John C. Liu said, “EBT skimming is a rising problem across the state that must be addressed at the point of sale to best protect low-income New Yorkers who rely on this benefit to feed their families. Thank you to Governor Hochul for signing this important legislation into law and to Assemblywoman Rozic for championing this effort in the Assembly, and for making sure all New Yorkers can be appropriately armed with the information they need to keep themselves and their families safe.”

Assemblymember Nily Rozic said, “Every day, more low-income New Yorkers are at risk of having their SNAP benefits stolen with no recourse. That’s why it’s so important to raise awareness and provide consumer protections for those who rely on their EBT cards to help put food on their table. I thank Senator Liu for tirelessly advocating for this issue, and Governor Hochul for signing this important bill into law.”                   

New Yorkers who have had their SNAP or Public Assistance benefits stolen electronically can fill out a simple application to have them replaced. All EBT card holders, however, should remain vigilant about these scams and take several basic precautions to protect themselves, including carefully inspecting point-of-sale devices, changing their PIN regularly, and reviewing their transaction history frequently.

Anyone who has their benefits stolen should immediately contact the EBT Customer Service Helpline to report their card stolen and request a replacement EBT card. New Yorkers can contact the helpline by: