MOUNT VERNON — As of Oct. 16, SNAP card fraud has affected Knox County residents to the tune of $58,734.
Knox County Job and Family Services replaced $10,528 in benefits in 2023 due to SNAP card fraud. That $10,528 represents 40 households.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients receive food benefits on an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. Scammers steal the individual’s PIN and access their benefits.
Contrary to initial reports, scams in Knox County include point-of-service terminals and online.
Carla Poland, administrator of the Public Assistance division of KCJFS, said SNAP card fraud has affected 123 households so far this year. January through July, KCJFS replaced $2,002 for five households.
“In Knox County, August was our biggest hit,” Poland said. “It almost seems like someone came to Knox County and put these skimming devices everywhere.”
In August, SNAP card fraud affected 91 households (255 individuals) and cost KCJFS $45,603 in replacement benefits.
“In September, it reduced to 26 households and 51 individuals. Most of these 26 did not even see their food stamps because [the scammer] already had their information,” Poland said.
Investigating SNAP card fraud
KCJFS reports fraud transactions to the state, including where the individual last used their card.
“The state takes it from there, and they don’t give us any details,” Poland said.
However, based on September’s reduced SNAP card fraud, Poland believes the state did something to help. In October, only one household has been affected.
According to Poland, state officials report devices have been found and removed from devices in Kroger and Walmart locations across the state.
“They would not tell me any information about Knox County,” she said.
Initial reports also noted SNAP card fraud at Lanning’s Foods and Smithhisler Meats. Poland said that information came from individuals reporting fraud.
However, they reported that was the last location they used their card. Poland said the scammers could have accessed the information from another location.
The replacement money comes from the state’s food stamp budget. The state planned to cut off replacement benefits on Oct. 1 but extended it to Jan. 1.
Precautions to avoid SNAP card fraud
Once fraud is reported, the consumer must ask for a new SNAP card.
“Then they’re told they have to change their password monthly,” Poland said. “Once you leave the store, you are to lock your card immediately [through a state app].”
Additionally, state investigators suggest users tap the machine rather than insert the card.
Other KCJFS news
•As of Oct. 1, federal benefits guidelines changed from 130% of poverty level to 200%. This affects eligibility, employment, and work requirements.
•Poland anticipates caseloads increasing due to the increased poverty level percentage.
•Through July 2024, Medicaid expenditures total $99,230,312. For the same period in 2023, expenditures were $80,587,285.
