PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — As grocery prices continue to soar, SNAP benefits for food are being targeted by thieves, according to a new warning issued by the USDA. The agency says it has received several reports of card skimming of EBT cards. “Thieves place a device on a retailer’s card-swiping machine to copy EBT card information. Card skimming can happen to anyone that uses a credit, debit or EBT card, including SNAP participants,” the agency wrote in an alert. Once the information is stolen, thieves can use it to create fake EBT cards and drain the accounts.
It’s unclear how much money has been lost for people who rely on food assistance. “For them to just have those funds go missing is terrible,” said Ginger John, a spokesperson for the United Food Bank. “Timing couldn’t be worse. Incomes are the same but all the expenses are higher, especially with the groceries.”
Tasya Peterson, a spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Economic Security, which oversees the SNAP program in the state, confirms an increase in SNAP fraud related to card skimming, as reports of other credit card skimming have also increased in Arizona. EBT card skimming incidents are investigated by the DES Office of the Inspector General.
“Being a victim of fraud has a serious impact on families in need of assistance,” Peterson said. “Any EBT cardholders who notice suspicious or fraudulent activity on their accounts should contact FIS, our EBT card vendor, to have their card…
