The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is investigating skimming device use in the Kansas City metro area. Thieves placed illegal devices at businesses to collect EBT card information used for purchases.
DCF’s EBT team recently noticed suspicious out-of-state phone numbers making multiple balance inquiries. This led them to investigate and identify three businesses where compromised EBT cards were used. Acting quickly, the team shut down around 1,000 affected EBT cards. Skimming devices were later found at these businesses, and DCF alerted store owners, urging them to cooperate with law enforcement.
DCF is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the investigation. Their quick response prevented $369,532 in benefits from being stolen from 830 cardholders. Those impacted will receive replacement cards within 5-7 business days.
So far, 162 cardholders have lost a total of $38,653.90 due to skimming. A federal provision that previously funded stolen SNAP and TANF benefit replacements expired on December 20, 2024, and was not renewed under the 2025 American Relief Act. Currently, there is no state funding to replace stolen benefits. DCF urges victims to call United Way 211 or visit 211KC.org for food assistance.
Skimming scams are increasing nationwide. DCF encourages Kansas EBT cardholders to protect their benefits using the ebtEDGE app or portal. Security features include:
Freezing the card when not in use.
Blocking out-of-state and online transactions.
Regularly changing the PIN to a secure combination.
Third-party EBT apps lack these protections. The ebtEDGE app is available in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Cardholders should also avoid phishing scams by never sharing card details or PINs via phone or text. DCF and its EBT contractor, Fidelity Information Services (FIS), will never request this information.
For more on skimming scams, visit the FBI’s skimming page. If a Kansas EBT cardholder suspects fraud, they should report it and request a new card by calling ebtEDGE Customer Service at 1-800-997-6666 or visiting ebtedge.com.
