‘So frustrated;’ SNAP benefits cardholders struggle to pay for groceries amid rising EBT Fraud

WHIO Staff
·2 min read

People across the country are having their SNAP benefits stolen, and are left trying to figure how to pay for their groceries.

As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00 p.m., people all over the country are becoming victims of EBT and SNAP Fraud and Ohioans are dealing with it to.

“My card declined, it was the exact same day that my deposit date is,” Taurneshia Owens said.

Owens was confused when her SNAP card was drained. She checked her account and to her surprise, it was used in Miami.

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“I was so frustrated. I was pissed. I was mad. I was angry. Like, it was too many emotions at once,” Owens said.

Thieves get access to SNAP benefits cards and drain the available balance. This type of fraud is a challenge that Ohio faces.

“Snap and the related EBT fraud is a challenge that Ohio faces,” Matt Damschroder, the Director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, said.

Damschroder supervises Ohio’s SNAP program.

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“So just like on the private sector, where credit cards and debit card companies are seeing increases of attempted fraud and fraud and their space, we’re seeing the same thing with our cards,” Damschroder said.

From October 2022 to March of this year, about 3,400 Ohioans has their SNAP benefits stolen.

“Last year, Congress enacted legislation that allows states for the first time to reimburse individuals who are indeed, victims of SNAP theft,” Damschroder said.

Since 2022, the state has reimbursed almost $1.5 million to those who has their SNAP benefits stolen.

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That’s why Damschroder says if you believe you’ve fallen victim, you need to contact your county Department of Job and Family Services.

“Counties expedite that review and the replacement of funds. We want to make sure that those those funds, if stolen, are returned to the individual as quickly as possible,” Damschroder said.

Owens was able to get her benefits reimbursed, but it still put her in a rough spot.

“But that’s Bill money that’s being spent at that time. So it’s like at the end of the day, you still dipping it down and diving into something you ain’t got,” Owens said.