Understanding the SNAP Benefits Scam Affecting Oklahoma City Residents: What You Need to Know

Imagine this: You wake up and check your SNAP EBT balance. You see, it’s been wiped out. No warning—just gone. And the worst part? It’s not just a system error. It’s been stolen by scammers.

The SNAP benefits scam is where scammers steal your information to drain your benefits. To protect yourself, secure your personal information, monitor your account regularly, and be careful when using card readers.

Government benefits scams have been on the rise since the pandemic. According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, in 2023, more than 16% of fraud cases involved government benefits. States with the most cases include Florida, Alabama, California, Georgia, and Virginia.

Among these schemes, the SNAP Benefits Scam is becoming more common.

The SNAP scam is where scammers steal EBT card information (Electronic Benefit Transfer) to access Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Reminder: They don’t need to have your card. They only need the numbers to drain your benefits.

Here’s how the scam works:

• Step 1: Data Collection – Scammers begin by gathering your information. This can happen in several ways:
  
  • Skimming Devices: Scammers install hidden card skimmers on card readers (at restaurants or convenience stores) to capture your card number and PIN.
  • Phishing Messages: Scammers send fake messages or phone calls claiming to be from SNAP. They will say there’s a problem with your benefits and to fix it by “verifying your card number or PIN.
  • Data Breaches: Scammers can buy or steal SNAP user data on the dark web if it’s been leaked from a data breach.
    
• Step 2: Card Cloning – Once scammers have your card number and PIN, they will duplicate your card using a magnetic card writer. This gives them access to your SNAP account, even if your physical card never left your wallet.
  
• Step 3: Withdrawals – With access to your SNAP, scammers quickly drain your benefits, often at the beginning of the month when new funds are loaded. Also, transactions typically happen out of state to avoid detection.
  
• Step 4: The Damage is Done – You can’t recover the lost funds, leaving you without financial support for groceries. Additionally, you may experience stress and intense feelings of fear or embarrassment.

A victim, Anna Markle from Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, had her SNAP benefits for April drained— scammers used the benefits at stores in New Jersey and Pennsylvania the same night they were loaded.

She only found out when her card was declined at the grocery store.

“It was all wiped out in one minute,” she said.

Anna was given a new card and PIN, but the stolen funds are gone for good. According to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, SNAP benefits are not insured or reimbursed once stolen.

In another version of this scam, scammers send text messages claiming that your EBT card has been deactivated. They’ll say that to fix the issue, you need to call the number they provided. When you call, they’ll start asking for your information or reactivation payment.

This SNAP scam happens because SNAP cards don’t have the same security features as credit cards (such as chips and two-factor verification). Scammers know and exploit this vulnerability.

On top of that… Personal data is easier to access.

Scammers can easily buy information from shady data brokers, exploit data breaches, or use phishing to trick people into giving up their information.

Here are some things you can do to make sure that the SNAP scam never happens to you:

• Protect Your Information: Never share your SNAP information with anyone. Also, be careful about what information you post online, as scammers can use even small details.
  
• Check Balance Frequently: Always check your balance via the official app or website. See if there’s any unusual activity.
  
• Inspect Card Readers: Don’t use card machines that have loose parts or signs of tampering.
  
• Cover Your PIN: Always shield your hand when entering your PIN.
  
• Avoid Suspicious Messages: Remember that SNAP agencies never request personal information via text, email, or phone calls.

Now, here’s what you should do if you were scammed:

• Report It: Contact the DHS fraud hotline or your caseworker.
  
• Request a Card Replacement: Cancel the compromised card, then request a new EBT card.
  
• Report to the Police: This helps build a case against the scammer, increasing chances of them being caught and any potential restitution.
  
• Seek Local Aid: If you’re out of food, you can reach out to food pantries or community support groups.

Overall, by staying alert and informed, you can fight back against scams like this.

If you or someone you know receives SNAP benefits in Oklahoma City, share this with them – it could be the warning that saves their food supply this month.

Will I get a refund if I was scammed?

Some companies do give back the money lost to a scam. If you used a payment app like PayPal or Venmo, you can file for a dispute so they can reverse the transaction. However, keep in mind that a refund is guaranteed if you paid a scammer via gift cards or crypto.

How can you catch scammers?

You have a chance of catching a scammer by knowing scam tactics like using fake names, spoofing emails, and the use of pressure tactics. Knowing these can help you identify a scam. You can also catch a scammer by reporting the scam as quickly as possible.