Benefit card skimmers found at multiple stores in Louisiana

Benefit card skimmers found at multiple stores in Louisiana, DCFS warns

December 1, 2023

Benefit card skimmers found at multiple locations in Louisiana

State officials are urging all electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cardholders to immediately change their personal identification numbers after authorities found skimmers at multiple retail locations throughout Louisiana.

Skimmers are used to steal personal information and funds from EBT accounts, although the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) said there are no reports yet of benefits having been stolen.

Local and federal law enforcement are investigating the illegal skimmers. Similar incidents have been reported across the country, according to DCFS.

As a precaution, DCFS is texting alerts to EBT cardholders, urging them to change their cards' PINs immediately. It's recommended that cardholders change their card's PIN every 30 days to protect their benefits.

DCFS recommends that all EBT cardholders take the following actions:

· Change your EBT card PIN: Visit LifeInCheckEBT.com or call the EBT customer service line at 1-888-997-1117 as soon as possible. Select a unique PIN that is not easily guessable, avoiding common patterns or personal information.

· Monitor your EBT card activity: Regularly review your card transactions using the LifeInCheck EBT mobile app or by visiting the official website. Report any suspicious or unauthorized transactions immediately to the EBT customer service line.

· Be cautious with card usage: When making purchases, be alert and examine the card terminal for any unusual devices or signs of tampering. Shield your PIN entry from view to prevent potential compromise.

If you believe you are a victim of EBT skimming, call 1-888-524-3578.

Neither DCFS nor Inmar, its vendor for EBT cards, will contact a cardholder and request their card number or ask for a cardholder's PIN. If a cardholder receives any calls requesting this information, DCFS should be notified with the caller's phone number. If a cardholder provides their information, they must immediately request a new EBT card and/or change their PIN to protect their benefits.

For more information on EBT card security and how cardholders can protect their benefits, visit dcfs.la/skimming.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Thank You for Making Active for Autism 2025 a Huge Success!

May 13, 2025

We’re still smiling from Active for Autism 2025 — and it’s all thanks to YOU! Whether you walked, ran, sponsored, volunteered, donated, or simply cheered us on, you helped make this year’s event one of the most impactful yet. Thanks to your incredible support, we raised $ 87,153.43 (and counting!) , marking a 24 % increase from last year. Every dollar goes directly toward programs and services that inform, support, and connect families of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across our community. The energy on event day was unmatched — from families walking hand-in-hand, to kids enjoying the Fun Fest, to teams showing up in vibrant shirts and big smiles. Your presence showed the true power of community. We are beyond grateful to our: Participants who showed up with passion and purpose Sponsors who helped make the event possible Vendors who brought fun and resources to the day Donors who gave generously Volunteers who offered their time, heart, and hands A Special Thank You to Our Co-Sponsors We are especially thankful for our co-sponsors whose generous support elevated this event: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner’s Children’s . Your partnership helped amplify our mission and impact. Thank you for standing with us! Thank You to All Our Sponsors We are grateful to all of our sponsors who make this event possible year after year. Your generosity directly supports families and individuals in our community. 2025 Active for Autism Sponsors: Presenting Platinum Sponsors: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner Children’s Hospital Gold Sponsors: REV, The Nirel Group Foundation Silver Sponsors: Olivier Group, Behavior Intervention Group, Louisiana Blue, Hood Container Corporation, and Mayor-President Sid Edwards Bronze Sponsors: BREC, Associates in Pediatric Dentistry, Wampold Companies, ACE Enterprises Inc., Ascent Behavior Therapy Center, Williams Photography, and Maughan Law Firm Patron Sponsors: BearCom of Baton Rouge, Gulf South Autism Center, The Baton Rouge Clinic AMC, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, Mercy Autism Center, Kidder & Schultz CPA LLC Governmental Supporters : State Senator Regina Barrow, Iberville Parish, and West Baton Rouge Parish Together, we’re making real change — not just during this event, but every day of the year. 📅 Mark your calendar : Active for Autism 2026 will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026 . We can’t wait to celebrate and walk alongside you again. From all of us at Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge: Thank you for helping us keep families informed, supported, and connected. We are families helping families. That’s what we do. That’s who we are.

Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge Hosts Annual Active for Autism 5K Run/Walk & Family Fun Fest on April 26, 2025

By Chanell Thomas • April 2, 2025