cbsnews.com
EBT Card Lock Feature Protects Against Skimming
EBT card skimming is impacting millions; a new card lock feature is available on the Connect EBT app to mitigate the problem. Delaware reports 1,135 cases totaling over $470,000 in stolen benefits year-to-date.
- What are the primary obstacles hindering the transition to more secure chip cards for EBT benefits?
- EBT cards are vulnerable to skimming due to their outdated magnetic strip technology. States are slow to transition to more secure chip cards due to the high cost; Pennsylvania estimates $7 million, while New Jersey proposed $3.2 million. In the interim, a new card lock feature is available through the Connect EBT app or website.
- What immediate actions can EBT recipients take to protect their benefits from theft, given the recent rise in skimming?
- Millions of people in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware who receive SNAP benefits can now lock their EBT cards to prevent theft. A Delaware man, Brandon Button, recently had his $218 SNAP benefits stolen via skimming, leaving him with $1.28. The federal reimbursement program for stolen SNAP benefits expired in December 2024, leaving victims with no recourse.
- What are the long-term implications of the slow transition to chip cards for EBT benefits, considering the vulnerability of recipients and the potential for future fraud?
- The new EBT card lock feature offers a temporary solution, but the long-term solution requires a costly transition to chip cards. The slow transition highlights the challenges of balancing budget constraints with the need to protect vulnerable populations from fraud. The high number of reported thefts, such as Delaware's 1,135 cases totaling over $470,000 year-to-date, underscores the urgency of this issue.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is framed around the negative experiences of Brandon Button, highlighting the emotional impact of EBT card theft. This personal story is used to emphasize the problem's severity and generate empathy from the reader. While this approach is effective in grabbing attention, it might overshadow the broader systemic issues and potential solutions. The headline itself focuses on the positive aspect of the card-locking feature, yet the majority of the article details the problem of skimming, creating a somewhat unbalanced framing.
Language Bias
The article uses emotionally charged language such as "pure evil" when describing the perpetrators of the crime. While this language might resonate with readers and emphasize the severity of the issue, it lacks neutrality. The use of phrases like "desperately need these benefits" also leans towards emotional appeal rather than purely objective reporting. Neutral alternatives could be "require these benefits" or "rely on these benefits.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the negative impacts of EBT card skimming and the struggles of victims like Brandon Button. While it mentions the cost of transitioning to chip cards as a reason for the delay in implementing a solution, it doesn't delve into alternative solutions or the broader context of public benefit fraud prevention strategies. The article also omits discussion of potential preventative measures individuals can take beyond card locking, such as regularly checking their account balances and reporting suspicious activity promptly. The article's focus is primarily on the problem and the lack of immediate solutions, rather than a comprehensive examination of the issue.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by focusing primarily on the choice between the old magnetic strip cards and the new chip cards, without exploring other potential solutions or technological upgrades. It implies that these two options are the only possibilities, overlooking other potential security measures or strategies that might be implemented to address the skimming issue.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights instances of SNAP benefit theft, leaving recipients without food. This directly impacts food security and the ability to meet basic nutritional needs, undermining efforts toward Zero Hunger.