PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Four days before Christmas, Congress declined to continue funding replacement EBT benefits for those who have had them stolen. That means, according to a Dec. 23 USDA memo, the federal government isn't covering cases after Dec 21. And there have been a lot of those cases in the two weeks since then. The 10 On Your Side email account and tipline have received many messages about benefits being erased from EBT cards — from parents who have children's mouths to feed. The scam or fraud problem isn't new, and seems to occur one of two ways. "Thieves place an illegal device on an ATM or a retailer’s card-swiping machine to copy EBT card information," according to the USDA's website. They then clone the cards and use up the balance. The Virginia Department of Social Services website says to be on the lookout for scammers impersonating their department — from email to texts to phone calls. "Scammers may attempt to contact you with links to access your account or alerts that your account is locked," its webpage on the topic reads. "VDSS will NEVER contact you through these methods and will only discuss your account through the official EBT Client Customer Service Helpdesk line." A VDSS spokesperson explained via email on steps victims can take to help mitigate future loss of benefits. "Impacted clients should contact their local law enforcement to report the theft of benefits," they said. "Clients can also contact 211 or their local department of social services to find out about local food resources." If you think your card information has been stolen, you can contact EBT customer service or your local VDSS office to get a new card. "A replacement card would ensure the customer is able to receive benefits on the following scheduled issuance, but does not mean they will be receiving replacement benefits," they said. Sen. Time Kaine was asked about the issue during a call with reporters Wednesday, and offered the help of his office in Virginia Beach. "If you are victimized by that, feel free to call my office, the regional office in Virginia Beach, or frankly in any region where you live, because we would like to try to help you out," he said. Kaine also explained that the funding provision was part of the Farm Bill, which Congress couldn't come to agreement on back in December when they voted on a bill to keep the government open. stolen-benefits-replacement-sundown-memo-122324Download Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.