Conduent Incorporated has announced the ongoing deployment of its Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) solutions, introducing enhancements aimed at improving security and the user experience. These updates include new fraud prevention tools, the anticipated integration of EBT chip cards and mobile wallets, and an account lock/unlock feature that is now active in 12 U.S. states.
Central to these enhancements is the Conduent lock/unlock feature, which allows Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to manage their EBT accounts via Conduent’s ConnectEBT mobile app and cardholder portal. Users can elect to lock their card to prevent all purchases or restrict blocking to out-of-state transactions, providing control over account access and helping to mitigate unauthorized use.
The account control feature is a component of Conduent’s VeriSight Anti-Fraud Suite, a collection of tools available to state agencies to address fraud in public benefit programs. The 12 states currently implementing this functionality are Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia, with additional states expected to adopt the technology.
Beyond account locking, the VeriSight suite incorporates an advanced interactive voice response (IVR) system for EBT customer service centers. This system employs behavioral analytics to identify suspicious calling patterns, such as excessive calls from a single number, enabling real-time restrictions to block potential fraudulent access. Furthermore, users of the ConnectEBT app have the option to receive real-time usage alerts, facilitating prompt detection and reporting of suspicious activity.
Conduent is also collaborating with several states to prepare for the introduction of SNAP cards featuring EMV (Europay, Mastercard, and Visa) chip technology, which is expected to enhance card security and reduce fraud risks at points of sale. The company is also preparing to support state implementations of mobile wallet functionality, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, to improve convenience and modernize benefit access.
Anna Sever, President, Government Solutions at Conduent, stated, “With decades of experience in helping state agencies serve residents more effectively, operate more efficiently, and ensure that public aid goes to the intended recipients, our EBT lock-and-unlock feature is one of many solutions Conduent is delivering to combat fraud that threatens taxpayer funds. Our team continues to make progress in implementing important features in more states, while also integrating AI technologies to automate processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs, while improving service for the people who depend on these critical benefits.”
Conduent provides government payment disbursement services for federally funded benefit and payment card programs. The company also offers end-to-end solutions for healthcare claims processing, eligibility and enrollment, and child support administration to U.S. agencies. Conduent delivers digital business solutions and services across commercial, government, and transportation sectors, leveraging cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and advanced analytics. The company disburses approximately $85 billion in government payments annually and facilitates 2.3 billion customer service interactions each year.
