Governor Spanberger Announces New Chip-and-Tap Electronic Benefit Transfer Cards

Virginia has begun issuing new Electronic Benefit Transfer cards with chip-and-tap technology to protect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits from skimming and other electronic theft, Gov. Abigail Spanberger's office announced.

The new cards embed a chip similar to modern credit and debit cards and support contactless payments at participating retailers. Officials said EBT theft has grown as criminals use devices on card readers to capture account information.

Mailing began this month, and all cardholders are expected to receive replacements by the end of December. Recipients must activate the new card when it arrives and use it for future purchases.

State officials urged households to protect personal identification numbers, watch accounts for unauthorized charges, and report suspected fraud to the Virginia Department of Social Services. Chip-and-tap technology adds a layer of security, they said, but basic precautions remain essential.