What to do if money was stolen from your SNAP card: how to recover stolen food stamps

One of the more troubling trends to emerge in 2022 has been the surge in the theft of money from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food allowance cards. Since SNAP cards are not issued by banks, people often don't know where to turn if money is stolen from such a card. That's what we decided to figure out.

How scammers steal money from cards SNAP

The two main ways that criminals steal people's money are skimming and phishing. Skimming is copying information about the card when you insert it into the card reader of an ATM or terminal. Thieves install a special device on an ATM or terminal, and it takes data from the card. After that, they make a clone card and use this fake card to make purchases.

Phishing is an older scheme: a “bank/welfare/martian government representative” calls you and asks for your card details to protect you from scammers or something. If you buy, then this data is used in order to appropriate your money.

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How to protect your food stamps from theft

1. Avoid simple PIN codes. Numeric combinations like 1111, 1234, or 9876 are easy to crack.

2. Keep your PIN and card number private. Do not share them with third parties. When entering the PIN code on the terminal, close the keypad if possible.

3. Be careful about phishing. Remember, government agencies will never call or text you asking for your PIN or card number.

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4. Change your PIN at least once a month, preferably before your benefit date.

5. Regularly check your account for unauthorized debits. If you find any suspicious transactions, change your PIN immediately to prevent attackers from making new purchases with your coupons.

6. Report suspicious card activity to your local SNAP office. You can find the office closest to you here to register:.

What to do if scammers stole money from your card SNAP

If you believe you have been the victim of card data theft and your food stamp money has been stolen, contact your local SNAP office immediately. You can find the office closest to you here to register:.

Compensation for stolen food stamps

In late December 2022, Congress passed a law that provides compensation for food benefits stolen by fraudsters.

The law requires all benefits that were stolen between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2024 to be refunded. States can now use federal funds to recover stolen money. It is important to note that the law does not allow states to pay benefits for more than two months, even if more money has been stolen.

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So far (June 14), 29 states have adopted reimbursement programs for stolen food stamps. Among them are New York and New Jersey. The program is expected to be operational in New York on June 30 and in New Jersey on July 1.

Learn more about refunds at local SNAP office or the official website US Department of Agriculture.