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Star News TV
Virginia is preparing to issue new SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer cards as part of a broader effort to combat fraud and protect taxpayer-funded food assistance benefits.
The card replacement effort comes as authorities continue working to stop criminals from stealing SNAP benefits through increasingly sophisticated schemes, including the use of stolen card information and unauthorized transactions.
The new cards are expected to include enhanced security features designed to make it harder for thieves to access benefits.
For SNAP recipients, the change means paying attention to communications from the state and making sure they know when and how their replacement card will be issued.
The crackdown comes as benefit theft has become a growing concern nationwide. Criminals have targeted EBT cards because, unlike traditional bank accounts, stolen benefits can be difficult for recipients to recover once they have been drained.
Officials are urging SNAP recipients to protect their cards and PINs, monitor their accounts for suspicious activity and report unauthorized transactions as quickly as possible.
Recipients should also be cautious about anyone asking for their EBT card number, PIN or other personal information.
The message from officials is simple: Protect the card, protect the PIN — and don't make it easy for somebody else to go grocery shopping on your dime.
The new EBT cards are part of the continuing effort to strengthen Virginia's SNAP system and ensure benefits reach the people they're intended to help.
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