Imagine checking out at the store, only to find your Electronic Benefits Transfer, or EBT, card declined—because your benefits were wiped out overnight. This is the reality for some Roanoke residents as a nationwide EBT fraud scam makes its way into the area.

The City of Roanoke Department of Social Services is alerting residents to a nationwide EBT skimming scam that has affected individuals across the country, including local residents.

Emergency SNAP benefits will come to an end on February 16/

ROANOKE, Va. – Starting Tuesday, local Kroger stores will accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits with pickup orders. EBT card customers can complete their purchase via a mobile point-of-sale system. They can use a credit or debit card for any remaining balance or items that are ineligible with SNAP. Kroger has also waived the pickup fee for all orders, which is usually $4.95, with no minimum purchase required. This capability will be offered starting Tuesday at all locations in Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic region, which is based in Roanoke and includes more than 100 stores in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio.