With a growing number of cases involving the electronic theft of government benefits, the Lakewood Resource and Referral Center (LRRC) is urging SNAP and Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) recipients to take immediate action to protect their Families First EBT cards.
Protect Your Benefits: Lock Your Card
To prevent unauthorized transactions, the LRRC advises all cardholders to lock their EBT cards when not in use. A new card security feature now allows users to lock and unlock their cards online or via mobile app, ensuring that funds remain secure until the user is ready to make a purchase.
Here’s how to activate the card lock:
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Create an account at NJFamiliesFirst.com, then download the ConnectEBT mobile app and sign in using the same credentials.
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Log into your account via the website or app. Use the “Card” dropdown or click the lock icon in the top corner.
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Select “Lock My Card Everywhere” and hit submit. Your card will then display the status “Locked Everywhere.”
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Set an automatic re-lock timer for 30, 60, or 90 minutes to keep your card secure after shopping.
Even when locked, the card will still receive benefit deposits—it simply cannot be used until it’s manually unlocked.
No Internet or Smartphone Access?
Residents without internet access are encouraged to visit the LRRC during walk-in hours to receive assistance in setting up their account and lock settings. Additionally, the EBT Customer Service line (1-800-997-3333) can be used to unlock cards by phone when making a purchase—however, representatives cannot lock the card.
Extra Security Tips from the LRRC:
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New Jersey-Only Use: Limit card activity to in-state purchases to help reduce fraud risk. Note that this does not block online transactions.
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Change Your PIN Frequently: Especially the night before your scheduled benefit load, to minimize skimming vulnerabilities.
If You Suspect EBT Theft: Act Immediately
Victims of benefit theft are urged to act fast, as stolen funds cannot currently be reimbursed:
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Report the incident to your County Social Services Agency (CSSA) by phone, email, or in person.
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File a police report and bring your EBT card and any relevant transaction details.
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Email the Division of Family Development’s Fraud Unit at DFD.FIRM@dhs.nj.gov if you wish to report directly to the state.
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Retain copies of all documentation and correspondence for your records.