---
title: Maryland Reduces Benefit Theft by 71% Following Rollout of Fraud-Resistant “Chip-and-Tap” EBT Cards, $2.2 Million in Taxpayer Dollars Saved
canonical: https://marylandfeed.com/maryland-reduces-benefit-theft-by-71-following-rollout-of-fraud-resistant-chip-and-tap-ebt-cards-2-2-million-in-taxpayer-dollars-saved/
published: '2026-10-23T11:23:16-04:00'
updated: '2026-10-23T11:23:16-04:00'
author: MarylandFeed Staff
section: Government
tags:
- Human Services
- Families
- Benefits
source: Maryland Department of Human Services
source_url: https://dhs.maryland.gov/maryland-reduces-benefit-theft-by-71-following-rollout-of-fraud-resistant-chip-and-tap-ebt-cards-2-2-million-in-taxpayer-dollars-saved/
publisher: MarylandFeed
attribution: Copyright MarylandFeed. Quote with credit to MarylandFeed and a link to the canonical URL above.
---

# Maryland Reduces Benefit Theft by 71% Following Rollout of Fraud-Resistant “Chip-and-Tap” EBT Cards, $2.2 Million in Taxpayer Dollars Saved

The Maryland Department of Human Services announced a significant reduction in benefit theft, reporting a 71% decrease following the introduction of new fraud-resistant "chip-and-tap" EBT cards. This initiative is estimated to have saved taxpayers $2.2 million since its rollout.

The department attributed this success to the enhanced security features of the new EBT cards, designed to prevent unauthorized access and fraudulent transactions. The chip technology embedded in the cards provides a more secure method of transaction compared to traditional magnetic stripe cards.

Maryland's implementation of the chip-and-tap cards aims to protect vulnerable populations relying on public assistance programs. With a notable decline in fraud incidents, the department expressed optimism that these measures will continue to safeguard benefits for those in need.

As the state continues to monitor the effectiveness of these changes, community members may feel reassured by the steps taken to enhance the integrity of assistance programs. The Maryland Department of Human Services remains committed to ensuring that support reaches those who genuinely require it.

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*Read the original article at [dhs](https://dhs.maryland.gov/maryland-reduces-benefit-theft-by-71-following-rollout-of-fraud-resistant-chip-and-tap-ebt-cards-2-2-million-in-taxpayer-dollars-saved/)*

Source: [Maryland Department of Human Services](https://dhs.maryland.gov/maryland-reduces-benefit-theft-by-71-following-rollout-of-fraud-resistant-chip-and-tap-ebt-cards-2-2-million-in-taxpayer-dollars-saved/)