BATH, N.Y. (WENY) - New York State has issued a warning alerting those that use an EBT card of potential card skimming.

This comes on the heels of of Steuben County's report last week of scammers sending misleading emails to recipients of EBT benefits.

Officials explained that the card-reading skimmers allow thieves to copy the account information so they can access the account and spend the SNAP and cash benefits.

Those who are EBT card holders are recommended by state and local officials to change the PIN number frequently and avoid choosing a PIN that is easy to guess.

"The card reading machine allows the transaction to go through without any issues so the cardholder doesn't know their information has been stolen," said Steuben DSS Commissioner Kathryn Muller. "Most victims of skimming don't know their EBT card and PIN information has been stolen until the next time they try to use their EBT card or review their account balance."

In the event of suspicious EBT card skimming, card users should immediately report your card as stolen by calling the EBT Customer Service Helpline at 1-888-328-6399 and a replacement card will be mailed.

The EBT Customer Service Helpline is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and assists Arabic, Chinese, English, HaitianCreole, Italian, Korean, Russian, and Spanish speakers.