The Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a warning about an increase in EBT card scams across the state, resulting in more than $172,000 in stolen SNAP and RI Works benefits since October 2022. Acting director Kim Merolla Britto suspects that scammers are skimming card details and may also be accessing accounts via phishing emails and text messages. The DHS has already reissued victims’ benefits using grant funding but warns that this may not be sustainable long-term. An investigation is ongoing, and DHS recommends that EBT cardholders change their PIN frequently to reduce the risk of scams.