SNAP benefits stolen from more than 40 families in Wichita skimming scam
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Skimming device at Wichita store drained $9,800 from 46 SNAP recipients.
- Kansas DCF found similar skimming in KC; KC incident affected 328 SNAP recipients.
- DCF warns benefits can’t be replaced; urges ebtEDGE use and freezing EBT cards.
Authorities are investigating after a skimming device was used in a Wichita store to steal $9,800 in SNAP benefits from more than 40 families.
A skimming device was discovered on a point of sale terminal at an unspecified Wichita store, the Kansas Department for Children and Families said. Skimmers are devices used to steal data from credit, debit and, in this case, electronic benefits transfer cards. The stolen EBT information was then used to drain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits.
In total, the theft affected 46 different SNAP recipients with a total of $9,800 in stolen SNAP benefits. The benefits can’t be replaced, the department said, because there is no state money available for reimbursement and no longer federally funded replacement for stolen SNAP and TANF benefits.
The fraud in Wichita comes a week after a similar skimming device scam was reported in the Kansas City metro area. The department was notified on Jan. 5 that more than 300 Kansans had been deprived of their SNAP and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits.
“As of now, DCF is aware of this event affecting 328 SNAP recipients with a total of approximately $46,000 in stolen benefits, and 17 TANF recipients with a total of approximately $4,400 in stolen benefits,” the department wrote in a news release.
Affected cardholders will be contacted via mail. But because stolen benefits can’t be replaced, DCF urged shoppers to take preventative measures when possible to safeguard their accounts.
In a press release, DCF encouraged cardholders to use the free ebtEDGE app or the ebtEDGE Cardholder Portal at ebtedge.com to monitor their accounts. From ebtEDGE, out-of-state and online transactions can be blocked and cardholders can file fraud reports.
Additionally, the department recommended EBT users freeze their card when not in use and regularly change their four-digit PIN. More tips about protecting EBT cards and accounts can be found on the Department for Children and Families website.
This story was originally published January 13, 2026 at 4:17 PM.
