A spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) told 25News Friday that the agency has identified and replaced thousands of Link cards that have been compromised, causing delays for cardholders to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. "The agency has identified and replaced 6,053 Link cards. We are working to contact all affected customers via text message," he explained.
The concern arose after reports of skimming devices used to fraudulently obtain Link card numbers, possibly facilitating illegal purchases. The total amount of the theft has not yet been determined and is expected to be revealed by the end of the month, according to Contreras. To provide support to those affected, IDHS is ensuring that local offices are adequately staffed and prepared to provide in-person assistance, Contreras said.
Several skimming devices have been detected that have compromised Link cards, making it difficult for some cardholders to access SNAP benefits. Kyle Landes, a father of four in Peoria, expressed his frustration, saying, "We renewed our stuff on time and they took it away."
Tabia Smock faces a similar situation as she tries to care for her family. She received a text message alerting her to the compromised Link card. Smock shared her concern, stating, "I haven't even had a chance to go shopping yet.... I'm just making sure they have something to eat, that we have it for emergencies if we can't get out."
Link cards act as debit cards, making it easier for those who hold them to access cash assistance and SNAP benefits. The Illinois Department of Human Services has provided information about the cards that may have been compromised, but the situation remains a concern for many families in Peoria:
The EBT system is secure and has not been hacked.
IDHS recently discovered several data-reading devices on ATMs and card readers in Peoria that criminals use to capture card information. Our EBT director analyzes EBT transaction data to look for unusual activity. Our director will contact retailers and ask them to verify when he notices unusual activity. Once a retailer discovers a skimmer, we can verify which cards may have been compromised. We then contact the customers, inform them and replace their cards. If a customer notices unusual activity, there is an EBT form they can complete so we can replace their benefits.
IDHS is taking steps to deactivate and replace cards as skimmers are identified. We understand that loss of benefits can cause extreme hardship to families.
IDHS tells us that its Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) replacement program currently does not provide replacement cash benefits to skimming victims. Still, some clients may qualify for assistance through the state's Crisis Assistance Program.