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Protect Your EBT Card and Benefits

Electronic theft of benefits from Oregon EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards is on the rise. Criminals use methods like skimming devices to steal your card number and personal identification number (PIN). Once they have your information, they can steal your food and cash benefits. 

Protect your benefits now

 Freeze your card between uses

When you’re not using your EBT card, freeze the card for extra protection. Simply unfreeze it when you’re ready to make a purchase. 

Visit the ebtEDGE website or use the mobile app and find "Freeze Card" under "Account Services."

 Block out-of-state and online purchases

You can block these purchases to protect your card from unauthorized use. 

Visit the ebtEDGE website or use the mobile app and find "Protect My Account" under "Account Services." You can remove blocks at any time.

Monitor your EBT account activity

Make a habit to check your account regularly for any unusual charges. 

If you see a charge you didn’t make, report it immediately. Cancel your card and call the replacement line at 855-328-6715 or go to an ODHS office.

Only use the official ebtEDGE website and mobile app for Apple or Android. ODHS does not support any other EBT management apps or websites.

Learn more

If your benefits have been stolen through skimming, phishing or another form of electronic t​heft, cancel your card immediately.

  • ​​If it's a weekday between 8:30 a.m. - ​4:30 p.m. (Pacific Time):
    • Call the replacement card line at 855-328-6715 to cancel your card and request a new one. You will get a replacement card by mail, usually within five business days.​
  • ​If it's a weekend or outside normal business hours:
    • Right away: Call the 24-hour toll-free customer service line at 888-997-4447 to cancel your card and protect your benefits.
    • ​Then during business hours: Call the replacement card line at 855-328-6715 to request a new ​card. You will get a replacement card by mail, usually within five business days.​

We may be able to replace your stolen benefits. Contact us within 30 days of finding out your benefits were stolen.​

Replace SNAP benefitsReplace TANF benefits

Keep your P​IN secret

Never share your PIN or write it on your card. Cover the keypad whenever entering your PIN in a public setting. Thieves may use small cameras to capture your PIN entry.

Change your PIN regularly

Make a habit of updating your PIN often. This can help protect your account if someone gains access to your card number. How you can change your PIN number:

Inspect card readers carefully

Before using your card at an ATM or other card reader, check for anything unusual. Skimming devices are often placed on top of existing card readers. If you see anything that looks out of place or tampered with, avoid using it and let the business know.

Don’t respond to suspicious texts

If you receive a text message asking for your EBT card number or PIN, ignore it. ODHS will never ask for your information this way.

Avoid social media scams

Only trust posts and messages about your benefits from official ODHS accounts. ODHS will never ask for your benefits case number, PIN or other card information on social media.

Use your benefits

If you leave a lot of money on your EBT card, you may be at a higher risk of theft. It's best to use your benefits regularly to cover your immediate needs, instead of letting them add up on your card.