TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- At present count there are 1.9 million Floridians carrying EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards.
Formerly known as "food stamps" the program provides benefits to families in need. They are benefits intended for specific individuals and/or families.
Local law enforcement agencies, like Tallahassee Police Department, regularly work with Florida Department of Children and Families, Department of Financial Services, and the Department of Health to prevent EBT Fraud.
That includes having others using your EBT card. Officer David Northway says allowing others to use your card is against the law.
Watch the video below to see more ways to prevent EBT fraud and tips about what not to do if you are an EBT recipient.
More safety tips from DCF:
- Treat an EBT card like a credit card.
- Clients should never give out their card or PIN number to anyone else
- Selling or trading an EBT card for any purpose is illegal.
- DCF monitors Craigslist and other social media sites to stop the sale of EBT cards.
- Money spent fraudulently from EBT cards must be paid back.
- Clients who participate in fraud can be permanently banned from receiving benefits.
- Never buy an EBT card from someone who offers it to you.
Watch "For Your Protection", Wednesdays on WTXL ABC27 News at 5:30 p.m. For more safety tips you can also view Tallahassee Police Department's Facebook and YouTube pages.
