In recent times, a surge in fraudulent activities has targeted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits across various states, preying on some of the most vulnerable individuals and depriving them of their much-needed benefits.
Reports of scams involving SNAP recipients have emerged nationwide. A notable case occurred in Ohio, where one recipient, Jason Nichols, discovered that his Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card had been cloned and used in other states.
Nichols reported to WHIOTV that he lost the maximum benefit amount for an individual, $291. Apparently, scammers spent his benefits in eligible stores in a different State, Illinois.
Most common SNAP scams
The SNAP program distributes benefits to recipients via an EBT card, which functions similarly to a debit card. Each month, funds are loaded onto the card, which can then be used in participating stores nationwide. However, much like regular debit or credit cards, EBT cards are susceptible to various scams, including:
- Cloning
- Phishing
- Skimming
These malicious activities can drain the benefits of those who rely on them the most. It’s crucial for recipients to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their EBT cards from potential fraud.
By spreading awareness and staying informed, we can help safeguard the benefits intended for those in need and mitigate the impact of these fraudulent schemes.
Ohio Officials Warn SNAP Recipients of Rising Fraud
Officials in this State have recently issued a warning to SNAP recipients about a significant increase in fraudulent activities. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services highlighted that criminals are increasingly using a method called skimming to steal account numbers.
This process involves placing a device over a point-of-sale card reader to copy payment card information. According to a recent report from the FICO credit scoring agency, card skimming incidents surged by 368% from the year 2021 to the next one.
SNAP Fraud Nationwide
Ohio isn’t the only state grappling with SNAP fraud. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) reveals that there were almost 177,000 instances of fraud reported in the first quarter of 2024 across various U.S. states.
Protect Yourself from SNAP Fraud
To safeguard your benefits and personal information, consider these tips:
- Regularly monitor your account for unauthorized transactions.
- Be cautious when using point-of-sale machines, especially in unfamiliar locations.
- Report any suspicious activity immediately to your SNAP agency.
Stay informed and vigilant to protect yourself from becoming a victim of this rising fraud.
New York has emerged as the state most severely impacted by benefit fraud, with an alarming 34,306 instances reported in the first quarter alone. Freezing and unfreezing your EBT card is possible in New York. In this way, you can protect your benefits from online scams and thefts. Other states such as Illinois, Maryland, and Texas have also seen a significant rise in successful EBT scams.
Rampant EBT Fraud: A Growing Concern
Earlier this year, authorities charged two individuals for operating a New York bodega as the epicenter of a massive $20 million EBT fraud scheme. In another major bust, six people were arrested in March 2024 in Texas, accused of orchestrating a food stamp fraud worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Legislative Actions to Combat SNAP Fraud
To address this escalating problem, several bills have been proposed in New York. These measures include:
- Classifying Food Stamps fraud as a class D felony
- Conducting comprehensive studies on the prevalence of food stamp theft in the state
How Can I Protect Myself From SNAP Fraud?
The following tips are from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services:
- Create a PIN for your card that is unique and difficult to guess.
- Change your PIN monthly, before each scheduled deposit.
- Never share your card number or PIN. ODJFS will never ask for these numbers.
- Carefully examine point-of-sale card readers before using them to check for skimming devices.
- When using your card, cover the keypad with your body or hand to stop others from seeing your PIN.
