Scammers Using Card Skimmers Are Draining Oregon EBT Accounts and Stealing From Families in Need

By Diane Megaw On Sep 17, 2025

Following an increase in scams involving card skimmers on payment machines at grocery and convenience stores across Oregon, especially in rural areas, Attorney General Dan Rayfield today warned Oregonians that scammers are stealing data from Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

Oregon EBT Card Skimmers Face Threat From Scammers

Law enforcement identified a traveling group of scammers targeting Oregon retailers, particularly discount stores and small markets, which are installing skimmers to capture card and PIN information on EBT cards.

Thousands of Oregon families use these cards to access food and cash assistance. Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) reported that 50% more dollars were stolen from EBT cards in the first half of September compared with July and August combined.

AG Rayfield said, “This is theft from Oregon families who can least afford it.”

Scammers install an overlay device on card readers or keypads that closely resemble real machines, allowing them to collect card numbers and PINs secretly.

They use the stolen card data in other states to purchase high-demand items like baby formula or resold goods, often draining families’ benefits before they realize what has happened.

Identifying A Card Scammer

Look for unusual attachments before using your card: If the card reader or keypad looks loose or misaligned, don’t use it.
Ask the cashier when the machine was last checked.
Look for tamper-evident seals: Some machines have yellow security stickers or bars, but if they appear broken, crooked, or replaced, they could be compromised by a skimmer.
Be wary of distractions: Scammers sometimes put someone outside a store to divert attention.

To reduce risks, EBT cardholders should:

Only use the official ebtEDGE website and mobile app to view and manage your EBT card.
Change your PIN regularly to help protect your account
If someone accesses your card number, change the PIN by calling 888-997-4447, logging into the ebtEDGE website, or taking your EBT card to the closest ODHS benefits office.
Check your account regularly for unusual charges. Report any unauthorized charges, cancel your card, and request a replacement.
To get a new card, call the EBT Replacement Line at 1-855-328-6715 or go to an ODHS benefits office.
Freeze your card between uses: as an extra layer of protection, and unfreeze it when you’re ready to make a purchase.

If you have been a victim of the EBT card skimmers, also file a complaint with the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division at www.oregonconsumer.gov.

ODHS can replace Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits that are stolen. Victims should contact ODHS to request replacement benefits within 30 days of the benefits being stolen. Unfortunately, the federal funding to replace stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits ran out on Dec. 21, 2024.