SNAP Benefits Update: What to Do If Scammers Steal Your Food Stamps Payments

The United States Agriculture Department has earlier warned SNAP benefits payments recipients about various SNAP benefits scams reported in various states. Some states are even reporting hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen SNAP benefits.

Forbes reported that thieves are taking advantage of the wave of SNAP recipients during the pandemic, according to experts.

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan group, stated in its research that more than 41 million people benefit from Supplemental Nutrition Service Program in February 2022, as compared to beneficiaries pre-pandemic, which stands at 37 million.

U.S. DA noted that it received several reports of SNAP benefits scams, including thieves placing a device on retailers' card-swiping machines to illegally copy Electronic Benefit Transfer or EBT card information.

In Maryland, more than $178,000 in SNAP benefits was stolen in August, which is more than triple the amount reported stolen in the previous month.

SNAP Benefits Scams

There are several SNAP benefits scams that are reported to the U.S. Agriculture Department such as EBT Card skimming scams and SNAP phishing scams.

Card skimming happens when devices are installed on card terminals to capture sensitive information.

Federal Bureau of Investigation noted that more than $1 billion is stolen through card skimming each year.

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service stated that card skimming can happen to anyone that uses a credit, debit, or EBT card.

The Agriculture Department advises SNAP benefits recipients to take certain steps to prevent card skimming such as keeping their PIN secret.

Your PIN should not be shared outside your household. In addition, EBT card users should cover the keypad when entering their PIN on a machine.

Users should also check their EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges. SNAP benefits recipients should also check card reading machines to ensure there is nothing suspicious overlayed or attached to the card swiper or keypad.

The overlays can be difficult to detect, but they are often bigger than the original machine.

The other form of SNAP benefits cams is phishing, which is a common type of cybercrime that involves criminals sending fraudulent messages that look like they are coming from a reputable source.

The Agriculture Department noted that criminals are posing as SNAP caseworkers to try to obtain the recipients' EBT card information.

SNAP Benefits Payments Scams Prevention

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau noted that if your EBT card or PIN is lost or stolen or if you see unauthorized charges, you should contact customer service right away.

Calling right away to local officers can protect your remaining benefits.

Some states allow beneficiaries to cancel cards and request new ones online. However, most states do not reimburse lost benefits if they are stolen.

CFPB noted that benefits provided or administered by a state or local government do not have guaranteed protections under federal law against the loss or theft of your card or funds.

Changing your PIN often can also help you avoid being a victim of fraud. Recipients can change their PIN by contacting their state's SNAP office.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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