December 20, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU): COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) is issuing an alert to small and medium-sized grocery stores and convenience stores across Ohio about an escalating threat of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card skimming fraud targeting SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients. Criminal organizations have increasingly targeted SNAP-authorized retail locations with skimming devices designed to steal EBT card information. These devices primarily capture data from magnetic stripes rather than chip-enabled cards and tap-to-pay systems. The most common skimming method involves an overlay-type device placed over the keypad and magnetic swipe reader. These devices are strategically designed to capture card information and Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) from unsuspecting SNAP benefit recipients.

May 30, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce: COLUMBUS, Ohio – With approximately 82% of Americans planning to travel this summer either domestically or abroad, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions reminds travelers to take steps to protect their finances and belongings from potential scams.