Ross County EBT users warned about card skimmers

CHILLICOTHE— Have you used your EBT card at Save-a-Lot on Western Avenue and Corner Market on Charleston Pike in Chillicothe recently? If so you may be at risk of having your money stolen due to card skimmers recently found in the stores.

These skimmers can be found on card readers and look exactly like the ones the store uses. The devices are then able to record the card number and PINs of the cards swiped, inserted and tapped, that data is then stored to be retrieved later via Bluetooth. Detective Sgt. Brenton Davidson, of the Ross County Sheriff’s Office, said these devices can take as little as 10 seconds to install and are hard to notice once on the original device as nothing on the store's end changes.

"It is very simple to get on," said Davidson. "They look exactly like the store's card reader."

He does note that the only difference between the readers that customers may notice is the top being loose as the skimmers they have found so far are only held on by double-sided tape.

These skimmers are being found all around southern Ohio including in Jackson County, Fayette County, Franklin County, Licking County and Pike County. In Ross County, over 40 complaints have already been made to the sheriff's office and Chillicothe Police Department resulting in over $26,000 stolen.

Currently, these card skimmers and suspects are undergoing a multiagency investigation as law enforcement works to find who is stealing money from EBT cards.

"We are one of many counties in that state of Ohio right now who have been affected," said Davidson.

What to do if your money has been stolen

If you look at your EBT balance and notice that money has been stolen Davidson recommends reporting it to law enforcement with an official complaint. This will help them keep track of the victims while also having an accurate amount of how much was stolen when it comes time for prosecution.

Ross County Job And Family Services is currently working to help those who had their information and money stolen. Director Jody Walker said they started receiving calls about this issue as soon as people noticed money being stolen. He recommends reaching out to the agency, by calling 1-844-640-6446, as soon as you notice suspicious activity.

Walker also recommends following state-wide tips for changing your PIN of the EBT card, which can be done online, locking your card when it is not in use, and keeping an eye on your account balance, which can be done on the ConnectEBT app.

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Ross County EBT users warned about card skimmers