In the face of skyrocketing prices at the grocery store, the issue of stolen benefits is becoming a grave concern in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has disclosed to ABC6 On Your Side Problem Solvers that a staggering $7 million has been siphoned from the pockets of those who rely on these funds to feed their families. This crisis underscores a vulnerability that affects countless households across the state.
Take, for instance, Erica McAllister, a mother from Columbus. “At one point, I was donating plasma, and we just used that for groceries,” she shared, recounting the moment when thieves drained her $1,500 in benefits this past September. For Erica and many others, these funds are not just a supplement—they are a lifeline. “We depend on this every month for a reason. It’s to feed us. It’s a necessity. It’s to live. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to survive. My kids would be taken,” she emphasized.
Fraudulent SNAP Transactions Highlight Urgent Need for Enhanced Security Measures
Since the summer, the Problem Solvers team has been inundated with calls from viewers reporting fraudulent transactions on their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) accounts. Shockingly, many SNAP cardholders have found their balances wiped clean when attempting to use their cards.
While the SNAP program receives federal funding, its management falls under state jurisdiction in Ohio. Unfortunately, the current security measures are proving inadequate. The SNAP cards are equipped only with a magnetic strip, lacking the advanced security features of a chip or tap system that could potentially deter theft. According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, upgrading to chip-enabled cards would incur a $15 million expense—a cost the state is not willing to shoulder.
The ongoing theft not only highlights the critical need for improved security measures but also raises questions about the state’s priorities in protecting its most vulnerable residents. The challenge remains: how to safeguard these essential benefits without placing undue financial burden on the state.
“I was so emotional when I realized my food was gone. It felt like it was taken right out of my mouth,” shared Deborah Kaun, overwhelmed by emotions after her card was hit with more fraudulent transactions, stripping her of $200 in benefits.
The Impact of Fraud on Fixed Incomes
Kaun, living on a fixed income, made the difficult decision not to pay her water bill just to ensure she had enough money for food. “I never dreamed it would happen to me,” she expressed, tears in her eyes.
Widespread SNAP Card Fraud
Since October 2022, the state has reported that nearly 12,000 SNAP cardholders have fallen victim to fraud, with nearly $7 million stolen. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) strongly advises cardholders to change their PINs after every transaction.
“I’ve been changing my PIN every month,” said McAllister, another cardholder trying to protect herself from fraud.
Security Measures Across States
While California and Oklahoma are planning to enhance their state SNAP cards with security chips next year, Ohio has decided not to take this step. ODJFS spokesperson Thomas Betti explained the situation in a statement to Problem Solvers.
- Unofficial estimates by ODJFS suggest that introducing chip-enabled cards for SNAP recipients would initially cost around $15 million.
- The ongoing maintenance for chip-enabled cards is projected to double the current costs, from $2.5 million to a total of $5 million annually.
- These figures are estimates, and actual costs would need to be finalized through negotiations with the EBT vendor, Conduent.