SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Justice has issued a consumer alert due to a surge in EBT card skimming incidents in the Coos Bay area.

More than 40 residents have reported their SNAP benefits stolen and used fraudulently outside of Oregon in just five days. According to the Oregon Department of Justice, criminals are using skimming devices to steal EBT card information, allowing them to clone cards and deplete funds. These devices capture card data and PINs at point-of-sale machines, leading to unauthorized purchases in other states.

Attorney General Dan Rayfield called the situation "outrageous," emphasizing the impact on vulnerable community members.

"These scammers are preying on the most vulnerable people in our communities," Rayfield said.

The Oregon Department of Human Se

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