USDA Employee Charged with $66 Mill in SNAP Fraud 

In 2024 alone, a staggering $345,786,818.61 worth of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits were drained from over 300,000 households across the nation. Low income families depend on this government food assistance benefits to provide food for themselves and their families. In Dec 2024, despite the scale of crisis, The Federal Government ended funding for this fraud and DSS is no longer investigating these cases. 

I fell victim to this crime.

As newly single mom of four children, I began relying on government assistance as I transition from a stay at home parent of 8 years to working and supporting myself. As hard as it is to share my current situation, I believe all American taxpayers will consider the security of our dollars. 

My SNAP benefits were stolen during the first month I received them. I was unaware that this was even a possibility. In survival mode, I initially thought I had mismanaged my funds. The day my card was reloaded, it was drained, leaving me with only 20 cents to cover my family's needs for the entire month. Almost $1400 was siphoned from my account. Multiple transactions within seconds. Banks flag this as fraud to keep funds from being completely drained.

My heart sank as I checked my balance before heading to Costco. In this moment of vulnerability, Police told me to contact FBI (Charleston does not have cyber security). DSS advised me to write to Congress, my paperwork was added to my file. There is zero education in the SNAP training guide on how to lock your card to prevent this known fraud from happening. I was informed by DSS this crime is targeting new card members. Increasing education is crucially important. 

My tiny voice will fall on deaf ears. I stand here looking at a brick wall knowing this is wrong. With your help, we can make a change.

Help me advocate for an investigative framework within the Department of Social Services specifically tasked with addressing SNAP benefit fraud. Moreover, a reimbursement policy needs to be reinstated, ensuring that victims of such fraud do not bear the brunt of systemic failings.

Implementation of secure electronic systems can significantly reduce these vulnerabilities that fraudsters exploit. 

Raising awareness among SNAP recipients about potential fraud risks and empowering them with necessary preventive measures is vital. A simple questionnaire can be given to explain SNAP fraud and how to use the app to protect benefits. Every account holder should know how to protect their benefits before they are active. 

Millions of dollars are being funneled to criminals while families go hungry.        
       This is a national emergency! 

This is blindly affecting all taxpayers while putting families already in crisis, into deeper desperation. If last year’s trend continues, over 800 families will live this nightmare! 

Join me in urging the pertinent authorities to adopt these solutions to safeguard one of our nation's key safety nets. Sign this petition to demand immediate action and reform for the protection of SNAP beneficiaries to keep our tax dollars secure.

KEY POINTS

• Reinstate a Reimbursement Policy
• Secure Electronic Payments
• Educate SNAP Recipients
• END THIS FRAUD!