Fraud Watch Media Group USA
Food Stamps/SNAP Fraud
Food Stamps/SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) fraud involves the illegal use or trafficking of benefits intended for low-income families to access food.
This can include selling benefits for cash, using stolen EBT cards, or misrepresenting eligibility to receive undue aid.
In 2025, SNAP fraud reached alarming levels, with the USDA estimating theft could be as high as $12 billion annually, primarily through card skimming where criminals install devices on payment terminals to steal card information.
A notable case in Georgia saw a drastic increase in reported fraud, with the Department of Human Services noting $4.4 million in losses for 2024 alone.
In Houston, a mother reported her EBT benefits being stolen twice, totaling nearly $800, despite precautions, highlighting the vulnerability of the system.
To combat this, states like Virginia reported over $5 million in SNAP thefts since late 2024, prompting calls for enhanced security measures such as chip-enabled cards.
Food Stamps/SNAP Fraud
Food Stamps/SNAP fraud involves the unauthorized use, sale, or theft of benefits meant for low-income households to purchase food.
Common methods include trafficking benefits for cash or skimming EBT cards at point-of-sale terminals.
In 2025, the USDA reported that states replaced over $320 million in stolen SNAP benefits for nearly 679,000 households between FY 2023 and 2024, highlighting the scale of theft through card skimming.
Another example includes the USDA's SNAP Fraud Framework, updated in 2025, which provides evidence-based strategies to combat recipient fraud, such as enhanced monitoring and education.
In a broader context, improper payments in federal programs, including SNAP, were partly due to missing documentation, exacerbating fraud risks.
Warning and Prevention Tips
Be cautious of unsolicited offers to buy or sell SNAP benefits, as this is illegal and can lead to disqualification from the program.
To prevent theft, regularly check your EBT balance and report suspicious activity immediately to your state agency.
Use chip-enabled cards where available, and avoid sharing PINs.
Helpful information: The USDA recommends using the SNAP Fraud Framework toolkit for recipients to learn about secure practices; report fraud to the USDA OIG hotline at 1-800-424-9121.