MOUNT VERNON — Card skimming has risen significantly in the county the past two months, according to Scott Boone, director of Knox County Job & Family Services. The theft causes major problems for SNAP recipients and JFS.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients receive food benefits on an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card.
Card skimming is when someone steals an EBT card and PINs and uses the information to access SNAP benefits.
“We had 18 to 20 cases prior to Aug. 1, then it escalated to over 100,” Boone told the Knox County commissioners. “[Skimmers] electronically withdraw the benefits from the recipient’s cards right around the time of deposit, around the first of the month, and they’re spending them.”
The thieves then order online at Walmart, Lanning’s Foods, Smithhisler, Bakers IGA, and other local merchants.
Card skimming is not unique to Knox County. Thefts have occurred across the state and nationwide, frequently involving a device placed over an ATM or sales machine that steals the information.
That is not the case locally.
Boone said skimmers text or call a SNAP recipient stating the card is in danger of being out of balance. The skimmer sends a link or phone number, and the recipient gives their information.
Several recipients reported the thefts to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and some of them were for out-of-state purchases.
“We didn’t think that an Ohio recipient could make out-of-state purchases with those funds, so that part we’re still trying to clarify with the state,” Boone said.
Reimbursing benefits stolen through card skimming
Thus far, the federal government and the state have reimbursed stolen benefits. However, Boone said the state has indicated reimbursement might stop Oct. 1.
“That’s probably going to be the case, and that’s going to leave a lot of people without benefits because the skimming is going to continue,” he said.
Knox County JFS has 4,981 SNAP recipients. JFS has reissued $67,481.13 in skimmed SNAP funds.
“As of Aug. 21, we had 71 replacements for skimming of SNAP benefits since Aug. 1. Prior to that, we only had 18 replacements since May 5,” Boone said.
Commissioner Thom Collier noted a reimbursement loophole in which a SNAP recipient could report stolen benefits when, in reality, they gave their PIN to someone who then spent the money.
“I think that’s what’s behind the decision, but there is plenty of evidence that tracks to this mom and pop shop in Allegheny, NY, and they’re making all these purchases using all these multiple people’s identities that are receiving SNAP,” Boone responded.
“Right now, we’re worried about making people whole with this decision that’s apparently been made at the state level.”
To get a replacement card, recipients must complete a form, including a police report. The process takes seven to 10 days.
“I have a concern that the county has to bear this on a program the federal government is responsible for if they decide they’re not going replace the cards and we have to take that burden on,” Commissioner Teresa Bemiller said.
Boone said he must contact other local organizations and ask if JFS can redirect people to their agencies.
Additional SNAP recipients
In addition to the county potentially taking on the cost of reimbursing card skimming fraud, Boone said SNAP eligibility requirements changed.
Previously, the state set eligibility at 130% to 150% of the poverty level. Starting Aug. 1, eligibility is 200% of the poverty level, which means more residents are eligible for benefits.
“We’re going to expect an influx of applicants. We’re not sure how many at this point, but we’re prepared for it,” Boone said.
