Cheapnail Salons Nearme

National SNAP Benefit Theft Alert Thousands Have Been Scammed

0

An urgent alert has been issued for consumers who’ve experienced theft of their SNAP benefits from EBT cards. This troubling issue is affecting families nationwide, with Pennsylvania particularly hit hard. As of the end of September, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has reported nearly 15,500 stolen benefit claims this year alone.

Time is crucial for those seeking to reclaim their stolen benefits. The number of stolen benefit claims has surged, significantly impacting families. This surge is forcing many to make difficult choices between purchasing groceries or holiday gifts for their children.

Where are the most affected SNAP beneficiaries?

“It’s especially tough with the holidays approaching and kids looking forward to receiving toys,” shared Nadirah Frye from North Philadelphia. Frye, a mother from North Philadelphia, has faced this harsh reality. Instead of buying presents for her two young children, she’s been forced to spend her own money on food.

This situation arose after someone electronically stole $544 from her EBT card, which is typically loaded with up to $600 for grocery expenses each month.

Skimming Scams Targeting SNAP Benefits: Widespread Issue Affecting Many

It’s happening to so many people around the city,” expressed Frye, highlighting the growing concern. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has acknowledged the rise in skimming incidents that are targeting SNAP recipients nationwide.

These fraudulent activities involve the theft of SNAP benefits directly from EBT cards at point-of-sale machines. In response, the DHS stated it is committed to “holding bad actors accountable” and has already implemented measures to enhance the security of EBT card PINs.

Steps to Take if Your Benefits Are Stolen

Frye shared, “I put something on social media about it, and several of my friends reached back to me saying their benefits had been stolen and spent in California. When I checked mine, I found they had been fraudulently used in New York City.”

Steps to take if your benefits are stolen:

  1. Report the theft immediately to both local and federal law enforcement agencies.
  2. Submit a request for reimbursement as soon as possible using the benefits claim form.
  3. You can also file this request online for more convenience.

Stay vigilant and protect your SNAP benefits from these skimming schemes.

If you’re a SNAP recipient and you’ve experienced benefit theft, it’s crucial to act swiftly. You need to complete a Benefit Theft Claim within 60 calendar days from the date of the incident. The Department of Human Services (DHS) will assess your claim, and if approved, a replacement of your benefits will be processed within 10 days.

Steps to Take After SNAP Benefit Theft

To safeguard your benefits further, it’s essential to replace your compromised card and set up a new PIN. Follow these steps to ensure your benefits remain secure:

  1. Replace Your Card: You can request a new card by contacting the DHS EBT contractor, Conduent, at 888-328-7366 or by visiting a DHS County Assistance Office.
  2. Reauthorize Your Benefits: For DHS to reimburse any SNAP benefits stolen after today, the program must receive reauthorization from the federal government.

Impact and Resources

This year alone, Pennsylvania has already reissued more than $5,000,000 in stolen SNAP benefits, highlighting the importance of prompt action. If you have urgent food needs, there are resources available to help. You can call 211 or visit local assistance sites for immediate support.

To access the SNAP Benefit Theft Claim Form, you can choose between a PDF form or a web form to report the incident and start the reimbursement process. For more information and assistance, please ensure you contact the appropriate services promptly.

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.