Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden introduces bill to protect SNAP cards from hackers
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden introduced a bill on Thursday to update cybersecurity for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cards and prevent hackers from stealing funds.
Unlike modern credit and debit cards, SNAP cards do not have fraud-resistant chip technology, making them vulnerable to skimming — in which identity thieves use the magnetic strip on the card to clone the card number to make a duplicate card and steal the SNAP benefits.
The bill comes as tens of millions of dollars in SNAP benefits have been stolen to date because of the lax security, according to Sen. Wyden.
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The bipartisan Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act would require the United States Department of Agriculture to issue the encrypted chip technology in SNAP cards and update cybersecurity regulations every five years — including regulations for mobile or tap-to-pay options.
“There’s no excuse for this two-tier system, where families in need are stuck with outdated, easily hackable technology while folks with credit and ATM cards are better protected. Inaction is not good enough for families, not when it can be the difference between a family in need having food for dinner or going hungry,” Wyden said.
Under the bill, states will start issuing the chip-enabled SNAP cards within two years of adopting the regulations. Within four years, states can no longer issue SNAP cards with a magnetic stripe.
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The bill also requires the USDA to run a grant program providing funds for upgraded chip-capable payment machines to small grocery stores in food deserts, farmers’ markets, and farm-to-table programs.
Additionally, states would be required to give families free SNAP card replacements within three days if their card is stolen, cloned, or malfunctioning, and states would have to provide multiple accessible and mobile-friendly platforms – such as mobile apps or online web portals – for families to manage their EBT accounts.
Before May 2022, Oregon did not track complaints or rates of fraud related to SNAP card skimming, the Oregon Department of Human Services tells KOIN 6 News.
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In Oregon, SNAP benefit losses ranged from $150-$1,500 between May 2022 and July 31, 2023.
From May 2022 to December 2021, Oregon reported 59 cases of SNAP card skimming. Between January 1, 2023, to July 31, 2023, the state reported 157 cases.
Recent data from ODHS shows over 400,000 households in Oregon received SNAP benefits in September 2023.
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