NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Some Tennessee families who depend on SNAP benefits are seeing their EBT cards getting declined when there should be funds on the card.
State officials said that’s because of a nationwide scam, targeting SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services and its Office of Inspector General are aware of the sudden increase in reports of EBT card fraud as a result of card skimming.
“We are working with our federal partners and law enforcement authorities to determine next steps, including whether or not we will be allowed to reissue stolen benefits,” officials said.
The Pigg family went to the grocery store for food but returned home empty-handed and confused after their card was declined.
“We only spent it the night prior, and we had plenty of funds left. It said it was taken and it was spent in the Target in where? El Camino, California,” said Darrell and Harkena Pigg.
A scammer was able to use their EBT card several times in an hour from states away.
“I feel violated, you know? That’s like you’re taking away from my kids. You’re taking away from my household, and I just feel violated,” said Harkena Pigg.
They quickly notified the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
“They pretty much just told us it’s happening to a lot of people, and they’re trying to figure out but there’s nothing they can do about putting the funds back on the card,” she said.
This is not just a Tennessee…
