What are EBT dumps?

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EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) is a system used to distribute social benefits such as food stamps (SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and cash payments (TANF, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). EBT cards function similarly to debit cards and are used to purchase food or other essential items.

EBT dumps are data read from the magnetic strip of EBT cards. This data can be used by criminals to clone cards or conduct fraudulent transactions. Let's take a closer look at what EBT dumps are, their features, and the risks associated with them.

1. Features of EBT cards​

EBT cards work just like bank cards, but have a few key differences:

• Limitation of use:
  • EBT cards can only be used for certain purposes, such as purchasing food through the SNAP program.
  • Some categories of goods (such as alcohol, tobacco or prepared foods) are prohibited.
• Lack of cash:
  • In most cases, EBT cards do not support cash advances, although some programs may offer limited options.
• State control:
  • Cards are issued by the state government or specially accredited organizations.
  • Transactions are monitored by government agencies.

2. Composition of EBT dumps​

The data on the EBT card is stored on the magnetic strip (Tracks 1 and Track 2), just like on regular bank cards. However, it contains additional parameters specific to the EBT system:

a. Track 1​

%B<Primary Account Number (PAN)>^<Cardholder Name>^<Expiration Date><Service Code><Discretionary Data>?

• Primary Account Number (PAN): Unique number of the EBT card.
• Cardholder Name: The name of the benefit recipient.
• Expiration Date: The expiration date of the card.
• Service Code: Identifies the card type and its limitations (e.g. use for SNAP only).
• Discretionary Data: Additional parameters such as balance or security code.

b. Track 2​

;<Primary Account Number (PAN)>=<Expiration Date><Service Code><Discretionary Data>?

• Similar to Track 1, but without the cardholder's name.

3. How are EBT dumps created?​

EBT dumps are created in the same way as dumps of regular bank cards. Attackers use the following methods:

1. Skimming devices:
   • Devices installed on POS terminals or ATMs read data from the card's magnetic strip.
2. Internal threats:
   • Employees of stores or organizations can steal card data through compromised terminals.
3. Data Leaks:
   • Hackers break into databases of processing centers or government systems.

4. How are EBT dumps used?​

1. Cloning cards:
   • Data is written onto blank plastic using an MSR encoder.
   • The cloned card can be used for purchases at stores that accept EBT.
2. Fraudulent purchases:
   • Fraudsters use cloned cards to purchase food or other items eligible for SNAP.
3. Black market sales:
   • EBT dumps are sold on the darknet for other scammers.

5. Risks associated with EBT dumps​

1. Financial losses:
   • Fraudsters can empty the card balance, leaving benefit recipients without funds.
2. Social consequences:
   • People who rely on social assistance may have difficulty affording food.
3. Legal consequences:
   • Using EBT dumps is a criminal offense and participants in the schemes may be subject to prosecution.

6. Protective measures against EBT dumps​

To prevent the use of EBT dumps, it is important to implement the following measures:

1. Using EMV chips:
   • Modern EBT cards are equipped with chips for data encryption and protection against cloning.
2. Tokenization:
   • Sensitive data is replaced with tokens that have no value to attackers.
3. Terminal protection:
   • Installation of anti-skimming devices on POS terminals.
4. Transaction Monitoring:
   • Government agencies should monitor suspicious transactions, such as multiple attempts to use the same card in different locations.
5. User training:
   • Inform benefit recipients about the need to protect their cards and data.

7. Example of using EBT dumps​

Scenario: EBT Card Fraud​

1. The carder obtains an EBT dump from the victim's card magnetic strip.
2. Data is written to a blank card using an MSR encoder.
3. The cloned card is used to purchase groceries at stores that accept EBT.

8. Conclusion​

EBT dumps are data read from the magnetic strip of EBT cards used to distribute social benefits. This data can be used to clone cards and commit fraudulent transactions. To protect against such attacks, it is important to use modern technologies such as EMV chips and tokenization, as well as to comply with security regulations.

If you have additional questions about EBT dumps or protection methods, ask them!