The Orange County Department of Social Services (OCDSS) is alerting residents that scams targeting EBT users are on the rise. In response, OCDSS is advising those receiving EBT benefits to take action now to reduce the chance of becoming a victim in the future. If you have an EBT card, the Virginia Department of Social Services suggests installing the ConnectEBT mobile app on your phone. EBT users can get extra security for their benefits through the NEW Lock/Unlock feature of this app. Keeping the card locked can help prevent scammers from gaining access to EBT benefits. To use your benefits, unlock your card using the mobile app just before checking out at a participating retailer. Then, immediately lock the card again after the transaction is complete. For more information about the process of locking a card using the ConnectEBT mobile app, visit www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/EBTLockUnlock. Social Services Advises EBT Users to Protect Their Benefits from Scams By: Orange County Social Services and Orange County Communications departments
The ConnectEBT app is the only officially licensed app for your Virginia SNAP EBT benefits and is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play. Further information about EBT Scam Prevention is available online at www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/EBTScam/protect_yourself.
Some tips to help prevent fraud include:
Don’t respond to unsolicited texts, emails, or phone calls concerning your EBT Account. VDSS will NEVER contact you through these methods and will only discuss your account through the official EBT Client Customer Service Helpdesk line at (866) 281-2448.
Check your EBT balance for unauthorized purchases and change your PIN often. Both these steps can be done through the ConnectEBT web portal or mobile app.
Use strong passwords for your client portal account and mobile app.
Never give your EBT card, card number, password, or PIN to anyone not authorized to use the card. Virginia EBT will NEVER ask for your EBT card number online or via text.
Check card payment devices for signs of tampering before using your card.
Further information about EBT Scam Prevention is available online.
If you have responded to any unsolicited call, text or website link about your benefits, please immediately contact the Virginia EBT client customer service helpdesk at (866) 281-2448 or contact Orange County Social Services at (540) 672-6166.
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 672-1200.
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OCI July 2025
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