Special to the News
The Alabama Department of Human Resources, or DHR, is strongly recommending all EBT users to utilize the new Lock/Unlock feature on the ConnectEBT app and website, especially the “Lock Card Everywhere” option which will help block out of state fraud.
From May 2023 to December 20, 2024, Alabama DHR replaced $15.9 million of SNAP benefits because of EBT fraud. From October to December 20, 2024, more than 26,000 reimbursements were approved for $10.5 million.
We believe 100% of these funds were stolen outside the state of Alabama.
Last month, data shows that approximately $1.8 million in Alabama EBT expenditures occurred in the state of New York and approximately $2.2 million was spent in Pennsylvania. We believe most, if not all, of this is fraud.
“The very best thing our SNAP clients can do is lock their card when they aren’t using it,” said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. “With the funds being stolen by utilizing out-of-state EBT terminals, we believe using our newest feature on ConnectEBT and locking the EBT card will truly combat this type of fraud.”
Clients can choose from two options when locking their card: “Lock Card Everywhere” or “Lock Card.” “Lock Card Everywhere” completely locks cards to ALL purchases anywhere. The “Lock Card” option will lock cards from purchases outside of Alabama, but does allow online purchases.
DHR strongly recommends the “Lock Card Everywhere” option at all times when the card is not in use.
EBT cardholders may also sign up for alerts through the ConnectEBT app and website. These alerts include account activity alerts through the app, text, and/or email.
