DAYTON, Ohio — The Dayton Police Department issued a warning to residents across central Ohio about the increasing threat of EBT skimmers. In a statement released on Wednesday, authorities revealed they had received nearly 69 reports of EBT card thefts since early June. They also discovered several counterfeit card-swiping devices, commonly known as skimmers, installed on ATMs and sales machines throughout the region.
These devices are designed to blend in with normal card readers, making them difficult to detect. For instance, police displayed a recently seized skimmer that replicated a card reader’s keypad. Criminals use these devices to capture card information and PINs, enabling them to fraudulently access funds for substantial purchases.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) had previously cautioned SNAP recipients to remain vigilant following warnings from the U.S. Food and Nutrition Service earlier in March. This advisory highlighted a scheme where thieves target SNAP benefits using card skimmers. ODJFS assured affected individuals that they could seek reimbursement by contacting their local county department of Job and Family Services.