Garden State Times

The Camden County Board of Social Services has issued a warning to the public about an increase in skimming devices and theft of Families First Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card benefits in the area. Criminals use skimming devices, which are often hidden on card readers, to capture users' bank or credit card information.

In March, authorities discovered skimming devices in stores located in Pennsauken and Mt. Ephraim. The Board received over 200 reports of stolen EBT benefits the same month. "This has been a disturbing trend happening far too often throughout the state and in our community," said Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, who serves as the liaison to the Board of Social Services. She urged residents to monitor their bank accounts and NJ Families First accounts for suspicious activities, particularly if they shopped at specific locations in Pennsauken and Mt. Ephraim last month.

The Board stresses that once EBT funds are stolen, they cannot be refunded. As a precaution, EBT users are advised to use the lock function on their cards. Instructions on how to lock and unlock cards are provided on NJFamiliesFirst.com and the ConnectEBT app.

Camden County Prosecutor Grace MacAulay encouraged community members to report any suspicious activity. "We encourage residents who have noticed suspicious activity on their accounts or at card readers to report it to their local police department immediately," she said. Authorities are committed to preventing criminals from using skimming devices to exploit the community.