The Alabama Department of Human Resources is asking EBT card users for assistance as it suspects tens of millions of dollars in stolen fund fraud.

DHR is strongly recommending all EBT users to use the new Lock/Unlock feature on the ConnectEBT app and website. It says the “Lock Card Everywhere” option will help block out of state fraud.

The suspected fraud goes back as far as May 2023, according to DHR.

In a 20-month period, from May 2023 to December 20, 2024, Alabama DHR replaced $15.9 million of SNAP benefits due to EBT fraud.

Just from October to Dec. 20, 2024, more than 26,000 reimbursements were approved, totaling $10.5 million.

“We believe 100% of these funds were stolen outside the state of Alabama,” the agency said in an announcement.

Just last month, data shows that about $1.8 million in Alabama EBT expenditures occurred in the state of New York, and approximately $2.2 million was spent in Pennsylvania, virtually all of which is suspected fraud activity.

“The very best thing our SNAP clients can do is lock their card when they aren’t using it,” said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. “With the funds being stolen by utilizing out of state EBT terminals, we believe using our newest feature on ConnectEBT and locking the EBT card will truly combat this type of fraud.”

According to DHR, users can choose from two options when locking their card: “Lock Card Everywhere” or “Lock Card.”

“Lock Card Everywhere” completely locks cards to all purchases anywhere.

The “Lock Card” option will lock cards from purchases outside of Alabama but does allow online purchases.

DHR strongly recommends the “Lock Card Everywhere” option at all times when the card is not in use.

EBT cardholders may also sign up for alerts through the ConnectEBT app and website. These alerts include account activity alerts through the app, text, and/or email.