SNAP Benefits Warning: Massive Increase in EBT Card Scams Sees Californians Lose $3.8 Million in Food Stamp Money

SNAP benefits scams are rampant right now in various states across the country, with fraudsters targeting the SNAP benefits EBT card system, according to California state officials.

CBS News reported that the frequency of benefits reported stolen has increased by approximately 4,000%, aiming at the Electronic Benefits Transfer system that has been serving some of California's poorest households.

One California resident who became a victim of an EBT card scam, Leticia Monroe, noted that it was the only way that she can take care of her bills.

Monroe is a disabled single mother and relies solely on public assistance. She was targeted by fraudsters last month, with around $700 stolen from her card the day the funds were deposited.

Experts issued a warning to those using EBT, saying that they should stay vigilant and aware of every transaction they do.

Experts added that scammers only seem to be taking out small amounts of money at a time to remain inconspicuous.

EBT Card Scam

California Department of Social Services noted that the state paid around $92,000 in fraud claims by July last year.

In 2022, they paid out nearly $3.8 million to victims of EBT fraud.

DSS noted that the funds are being taken through scammers with phishing schemes and skimmers in card readers, according to a Fox 26 News report.

Fresno County officials said that they are working on getting emergency funds to the victims.

Fresno County authorities released a statement saying that they have received several calls regarding the problem, adding that they are working with people to provide them with emergency funds.

Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cyber Crimes division is investigating the matter.

Another California county, Merced County, noted that most of the accounts hacked have been with people with new cards and enhanced security.

The California Department of Social Services noted that it is working with local, state, and law enforcement agencies to address the EBT card scams.

The DSS said that it has recently received a $740,000 federal SNAP Fraud Framework Implementation Grant to be more effective in preventing and detecting fraudulent activities.

SNAP Benefits EBT Card Scheme

In September 16 people were charged in what prosecutors described as massive EBT fraud scheme targeting SNAP benefits, as reported by NBC Los Angeles.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon said at the time that the case involves the theft of private account information of California EBT card holders, and the creation of illegal cloned cards with the victims' information.

The county's top prosecutor noted in a statement that stealing funds intended to feed children and families "is nothing short of disgusting."

Aside from the arrest of the 16 people involved in the case, authorities also confiscated $130,000 in cash and more than 300 cloned EBT cards, approximately $400,000 in value.

Southern California High Tech Task Force led the investigation with the involvement of numerous law enforcement agencies and in partnership with the U.S. Agriculture Department's Office of Inspector General.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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