Protect Yourself From Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Fraud

Take Charge! Protect your EBT card from theft schemes

Lock Your EBT Card To Stop Theft

EBT Card - Lock/Unlock is here!

Marylanders now have a quick and easy way to protect their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. Use the new Card Lock/Unlock feature to secure your food and cash benefits today.

Locking your card is easy! Follow these 4 simple steps:

  1. Download or open the ConnectEBT app(*) on your mobile device.

  2. Securely log in to your account in the app.

  3. Tap the new “Lock/Unlock Card” icon on the home screen.

  4. Select “Lock My Card Everywhere” and click “OK”

Your card is now locked and your benefits are protected! Whenever you go shopping, use the ConnectEBT app to unlock your card and lock it again after you check out. It’s that simple!

(*)= The ConnectEBT app by Conduent Inc. is available for free in both the Apple and Android app stores. Please avoid using third-party apps that offer coupons and require your login information. These may be fake apps used by criminals to steal your benefits!

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Do you suspect your EBT benefits card was accessed or used without your consent?

Don’t delay! Cancel your card immediately, and order a new EBT card today.

  • Call Maryland EBT at 1-800-997-2222 to report the card stolen, and request a new EBT card; 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
  • Change your Person Identification Number (PIN).
  • You can also set up an appointment at your local department of social services (LDSS) by calling the DHS Call Center at 1-800-322-6347 to pick up an EBT vault card.

Protect Your Electronic Transfer Benefits Card From Theft

The Maryland Department of Human Services wants to alert you to recent telephone, email, and text message scams targeting individuals, families and seniors who receive public benefits like SNAP and Cash Assistance, and ways to protect yourself.

Criminals send SMS messages suggesting that the EBT recipient’s card is blocked, and that the recipient should call a fake toll free number to verify their account. An interactive message on the fake help line instructs callers to enter their EBT card number and other personal information.

BEWARE! These are scams to steal your benefits!

Sample Spam Text Message

Sample Spam Text Message

Example of a Real Scam Call Message:
  • “Greetings. Your EBT card has been locked, and in order to unlock the EBT card, you must press 1, then enter the EBT card number and then, to confirm your identity, you must enter their PIN.”

We urge you to ignore those text messages and to always refrain from providing any personal information via unverified phone lines. Doing so could allow a thief to steal your identity and your benefits.

If you called an unverified number and entered Personal Identifiable Information, please do the following:

  • Immediately change your EBT or P-EBT card PIN by calling the number on the back of your EBT or P-EBT card, or go online at http://www.connectebt.com/mdebtclient.
  • The official Maryland EBT/P-EBT customer service phone line is 1-800-997-2222. This is the only number that should be used for questions about your card. The customer service call center can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days to order a new card, check your balance, or PIN change. Your EBT information can also be accessed via a secure website at https://www.connectebt.com/mdebtclient/.

TTY (Deaf/Hard of Hearing): 1-800-735-2258

Available Resources: