Atlanta, Georgia, August 2, 2025
News Summary
A cyberattack on the food stamp call center in Georgia has temporarily disrupted services impacting approximately 1.5 million EBT cardholders. Managed by Conduent, the call center closed after unusual activity was detected. Authorities advised EBT users to change PINs and monitor accounts via the ConnectEBT app. This incident adds to rising concerns over SNAP-related fraud, with food assistance efforts ramping up as investigations continue.
Atlanta, Georgia – A cyberattack has disrupted the operations of Georgia’s food stamp call center, which is managed by the third-party provider Conduent, officials confirmed on Friday. This breach, which occurred on July 28, 2025, raised serious concerns for the approximately 1.5 million Georgians reliant on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The attack was first detected when Conduent’s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system recorded an unusually high volume of inbound calls. In response to this suspicious activity, Conduent immediately blocked access to user accounts to prevent any potential compromise. Following the incident, the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) announced the temporary closure of the call center while investigations are being conducted.
While investigations are ongoing, Conduent has yet to confirm whether any account information was successfully accessed by the attackers. In light of this breach, DHS has urged EBT cardholders to change their Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) without delay and to lock their cards when not in use. The ConnectEBT website and app remain accessible, allowing cardholders to monitor their account balances and transaction activities during the call center’s closure.
The ConnectEBT app, which was launched in December 2024, offers users additional security features, including the ability to lock EBT cards either nationally or specifically outside Georgia. However, customer engagement has been lower than expected, with only 6% of SNAP households in Georgia utilizing the card lock feature.
The implications of this cyberattack come at a time when SNAP-related fraud is on the rise nationwide. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) revealed that approximately $350 million in taxpayer dollars were stolen due to fraud in the previous year, largely associated with international crime rings. Georgia alone reported over $23 million in suspected SNAP fraud cases within the first half of 2025.
In response to the disruption caused by the call center outage, Outreach Mission, a food pantry located in Lawrenceville, Georgia, will assist local families by providing food. The pantry will be open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a variety of food items such as steak, chicken, hamburgers, produce, deli sandwiches, and bread.
The Georgia DHS is actively collaborating with the Georgia Technology Authority while keeping the USDA informed as the investigation progresses. Conduent also manages the ConnectEBT online platform, which is being scrutinized as part of the company’s efforts to combat fraud.
As the situation unfolds, state officials continue to emphasize the importance of security for EBT cardholders and are taking necessary steps to safeguard the integrity of the SNAP benefits system.
Key Features of the Cyberattack on Georgia’s Food Stamp Call Center
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | July 28, 2025 |
| Target | Conduent-managed food stamp call center |
| Impact | Temporary closure of call center, EBT cardholder services affected |
| Customer Security Action | Change PINs and lock cards advised |
| Outreach Support | Food pantry assistance available |
| Fraud Context | Rising SNAP fraud, over $23 million suspected in Georgia |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened during the cyberattack on Georgia’s food stamp call center?
A cyberattack on July 28, 2025, targeted a call center run by Conduent for managing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, leading to its temporary closure for investigations.
What security measures should EBT cardholders take?
EBT cardholders are advised to change their PINs immediately and to use the ConnectEBT app to lock their cards when not in use for added security.
How can families in need get food assistance during the call center outage?
The Outreach Mission food pantry in Lawrenceville, GA, will provide food assistance on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a variety of food items.
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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