Kansas City, January 8, 2026
Recent EBT card skimming incidents in Kansas City have left numerous families without essential food benefits. Vulnerable residents are struggling as their accounts have been emptied, with reports of fraud emerging swiftly. Mothers like Katoya Johnson and Bianca Hunter are among those affected, realizing their cards had been compromised. Investigations by the Kansas Department for Children and Families are underway, warning recipients about rising fraud targeting benefits. The lack of reimbursement options further exacerbates this issue, urging communities to take protective measures.
Kansas City
EBT Card Skimming Leaves Kansas City Families Without Essential Food Benefits
Recent incidents in Kansas City have left numerous vulnerable families without access to their essential food benefits, as their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards have been unexpectedly emptied. This issue, emerging within the last 48 hours, has caused immediate and severe hardship for residents relying on these funds for groceries and other necessities. A mother, Katoya Johnson, was among those impacted by these thefts. These incidents have prompted investigations and warnings from authorities about increasing fraud targeting benefit recipients in the region.
Widespread Impact and Mechanism of Theft
The depletion of EBT card funds has had a profound effect on Kansas City families, directly impacting their ability to purchase food. For instance, Bianca Hunter, a mother of two in Overland Park, Kansas, found her EBT card declined at a store, only to discover her account had been emptied by a purchase in Chicago. She was informed by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) that nothing could be done to replace her stolen benefits.
These thefts primarily occur through card skimming, a method where criminals install illegal devices on legitimate card readers at ATMs or point-of-sale terminals in stores. When an EBT card is swiped, these devices secretly capture the card’s account information and Personal Identification Number (PIN). This stolen data is then used to create cloned cards, which criminals use to make unauthorized purchases or cash withdrawals, often emptying the victim’s account entirely. Another common method of theft is phishing, where scammers attempt to trick cardholders into revealing their card numbers or PINs through deceptive phone calls or text messages.
The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is actively investigating the use of skimming devices in the Kansas City metro area. Prompt action by the DCF’s EBT team led to the proactive deactivation of approximately 1,000 EBT cards identified as compromised, successfully preventing the theft of over $369,532 in benefits for about 830 cardholders. However, 162 cardholders in the region have already had $38,653.90 in benefits stolen through these skimming events.
A Nationwide Challenge
The incidents in Kansas City reflect a broader, nationwide increase in EBT fraud, with skimming being a particularly prevalent tactic. Law enforcement agencies across the country have observed this rise, which disproportionately affects the nation’s most vulnerable communities. A significant factor contributing to this vulnerability is that EBT cards generally do not possess the “smart chip” technology found in most modern credit and debit cards, making their magnetic stripe data easier for criminals to compromise.
Federal authorities have been engaged in combating this issue. In 2025, the U.S. Secret Service conducted 22 EBT fraud and ATM skimming outreach operations in various cities nationwide. These efforts involved inspecting nearly 60,000 point-of-sale terminals, gas pumps, and ATMs at over 9,000 businesses, leading to the removal of 411 illegal skimming devices. These operations are estimated to have prevented over $428.1 million in potential fraud losses. Despite these efforts, over 670,000 households receiving SNAP assistance nationwide had their benefits stolen between early 2023 and late 2025.
Limited Reimbursement Options
A critical concern for victims of EBT fraud, including those in Kansas City, is the limited availability of reimbursement for stolen benefits. The federal authority that previously allowed states to replace Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits stolen through electronic means, such as skimming or cloning, expired on December 20, 2024. This federal provision was not renewed.
As a result, many victims of EBT theft occurring after this date, including those in Kansas, are currently unable to receive federal or state reimbursement for their lost benefits. The Kansas DCF has indicated that there is currently no state funding available to replace stolen benefits. While most states lack such provisions, a few, notably California and Maryland, have established their own programs to reimburse stolen SNAP benefits.
Protecting Your Benefits: Essential Steps
To safeguard EBT benefits, cardholders are strongly advised to take proactive measures:
- Change your PIN regularly: It is recommended to change your Personal Identification Number (PIN) frequently, ideally before your monthly benefits are deposited. Avoid using easily guessable PINs.
- Inspect card readers: Before swiping your card, visually and physically inspect card readers at ATMs, gas pumps, and point-of-sale terminals. Look for anything that appears loose, crooked, damaged, or unusual, as these could indicate a skimming device. Gently tug on the card reader to see if it’s securely attached.
- Cover the keypad: Always use your free hand to shield the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent hidden cameras from recording it.
- Utilize the ebtEDGE app: Download and use the official ebtEDGE mobile app or access the Cardholder Portal online. This platform offers security features such as freezing your card when not in use, blocking out-of-state and online transactions, and monitoring your account activity.
- Beware of phishing scams: Be vigilant against unsolicited calls or text messages requesting your EBT card number or PIN. State agencies and EBT processors will never ask for this sensitive information over the phone or via text.
If Your Benefits Are Stolen
If you suspect your EBT benefits have been stolen, immediate action is crucial:
- Report the theft immediately: Contact your state’s EBT customer service hotline to report the theft, cancel your compromised card, and change your PIN.
- File a police report: Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency. While it may not guarantee reimbursement, a police report can assist investigations and help track fraudulent activities.
- Seek emergency assistance: If you are in immediate need of food assistance due to stolen benefits, reach out to local resources. In the Kansas City area, victims can contact United Way 211 by dialing 211 or visiting 211KC.org for help accessing food.
Frequently Asked Questions About EBT Card Fraud
- What is EBT card skimming?
- EBT card skimming is when thieves electronically steal EBT account information, including your card number and PIN, by placing a device on a store’s card-swiping machine or an ATM. This information is then used to create fake cards to steal benefits.
- Are EBT cards secure against fraud?
- EBT cards are generally not as secure as modern debit and credit cards because most lack “smart chip” technology, making them more vulnerable to skimming.
- What should I do if my EBT card benefits are stolen in Kansas City?
- If your EBT benefits are stolen in Kansas City, you should immediately contact your state’s EBT customer service hotline to report the theft, cancel your card, and change your PIN. You should also file a police report. For immediate food assistance, contact United Way 211 by dialing 211 or visiting 211KC.org.
- Will my stolen EBT benefits be reimbursed?
- The federal authority for replacing stolen SNAP benefits expired on December 20, 2024, and was not renewed, meaning many victims of theft after this date, including those in Kansas, may not be reimbursed. A few states, such as California and Maryland, have their own reimbursement programs.
- How can I protect my EBT card from skimming?
- To protect your EBT card, regularly change your PIN, inspect card readers for tampering, cover the keypad when entering your PIN, use the ebtEDGE app to freeze your card and block suspicious transactions, and never share your card number or PIN with anyone over the phone or via text.
Key Features of EBT Card Security and Fraud Response
| Feature/Action | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| EBT Card Technology | Most EBT cards lack advanced “smart chip” technology, making them more susceptible to skimming compared to modern credit/debit cards. | Nationwide |
| Primary Fraud Method | Card skimming, where illegal devices are attached to card readers to steal card numbers and PINs. Phishing scams are also common. | Nationwide |
| Federal Reimbursement Status | Federal authority for replacing stolen SNAP benefits expired on December 20, 2024, and was not renewed. | Nationwide |
| State-Level Reimbursement | Some states (e.g., California, Maryland) have established their own programs to reimburse stolen EBT benefits. Kansas currently does not. | State-level (Kansas specifically) |
| Recommended PIN Practice | Change your EBT PIN frequently, especially before monthly benefit deposits. | Nationwide |
| Device Inspection | Inspect card readers at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals for signs of tampering or loose devices before use. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. | Nationwide |
| Security App Usage | Utilize the ebtEDGE app/portal to freeze cards, block out-of-state/online transactions, and monitor account activity. | Nationwide (where ebtEDGE is supported) |
| Reporting Stolen Benefits | Immediately contact your state’s EBT customer service to report theft, cancel the card, and change PIN. File a police report. | Nationwide |
| Local Assistance (Kansas City) | Contact United Way 211 (dial 211 or visit 211KC.org) for emergency food assistance if benefits are stolen. | Local (Kansas City) |
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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
