Fraud targeting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is on the rise across the United States, with scammers increasingly preying on vulnerable recipients.
These fraudulent activities, which include cloning, phishing, and skimming of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, are happening nationwide, leading to significant losses for those who depend on these benefits for their daily needs.
Ohio SNAP Fraud Incident
One alarming case of SNAP fraud was reported in Ohio, where Jason Nichols, a SNAP recipient, found that his EBT card had been cloned and used in stores far from his residence.
Scammers drained $291 worth of benefits from his account by using the cloned card in Illinois, highlighting the widespread and damaging nature of these scams.
The Vulnerability of SNAP Benefits
SNAP benefits are distributed via EBT cards, which function similarly to debit or credit cards. While this system makes it easier to distribute benefits, it also exposes recipients to various scams.
Each month, funds are loaded onto these cards for use in participating stores, but the system’s convenience also opens the door for thieves to steal these benefits before the rightful owners even realize what has happened.
A Growing Concern
Ohio officials have raised concerns about the sharp increase in fraud targeting SNAP recipients. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services warned that criminals are increasingly using skimming devices to steal EBT card information.
Skimming, which involves placing a device over a card reader to copy payment information, has seen a dramatic rise, with incidents increasing by 368 percent from 2021 to 2022, according to a FICO report.
National Impact
The issue of SNAP fraud is not confined to Ohio. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) reported nearly 177,000 instances of fraud in the first quarter of 2024 across various states.
New York was the hardest hit, with 34,306 reported cases, followed by significant numbers in Illinois, Maryland, and Texas.
Law Enforcement and Legislative Actions
Law enforcement has made some strides in combating SNAP fraud, with successful arrests and prosecutions in several states. For example, two individuals were charged with orchestrating over $20 million in EBT fraud using a New York bodega, while in Texas, six people were arrested for their involvement in a large-scale food stamp fraud operation.
In response to the growing problem, several legislative measures have been proposed to strengthen protections against SNAP fraud. In New York, proposals include making SNAP fraud a class D felony and conducting a comprehensive study to understand and counteract the methods used by scammers.
Brooklyn Representative Iwen Chu has emphasized the need for these measures, highlighting the significant impact on individuals and state resources.
Protecting SNAP Recipients
To safeguard against fraud, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services recommends several protective measures for SNAP recipients:
- Create a strong PIN: Choose a unique and hard-to-guess PIN for your EBT card.
- Change your PIN regularly: Update your PIN monthly, preferably before each scheduled deposit.
- Keep your card information private: Never share your card number or PIN; the department will never ask for these details.
- Inspect card readers: Before using a point-of-sale card reader, check for signs of skimming devices.
- Shield your PIN: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent others from seeing it.
By following these tips, SNAP recipients can better protect themselves from fraud and ensure their benefits are used as intended.
Conclusion
As SNAP fraud continues to rise, it is crucial for recipients to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to protect their benefits. With growing concerns and increasing reports of fraud across the nation, awareness and preventive measures are essential to safeguard the financial support that millions of Americans rely on.
Q1. What is SNAP fraud?
A. SNAP fraud involves illegal activities such as cloning, phishing, and skimming EBT cards to steal benefits from recipients.
Q2. How does skimming work?
A. Skimming involves placing a device over a card reader to copy payment card information, which is then used to create counterfeit cards.
Q3. What should I do if I suspect my EBT card has been compromised?
A. Contact your local SNAP office immediately to report the issue and protect your remaining benefits.
Q4. How can I protect my EBT card from being skimmed?
A. Inspect card readers for signs of tampering, use a strong and unique PIN, and change your PIN regularly.
Q5. What legislative actions are being taken to combat SNAP fraud?
A. Several states, including New York, are proposing stricter penalties for SNAP fraud and conducting studies to understand and prevent these crimes.
