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ODJFS Director Issues Warning Against SNAP Benefit Theft as Fraud Cases Rise
ODJFS Director Warns Against SNAP Benefit Theft; Agency Implements Measures to Combat Fraud
Ohio’s Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt Damschroder, is warning people who get help from the SNAP program to be careful. Criminals are trying to steal SNAP benefits. Damschroder says ODJFS is serious about stopping fraud. They’re working hard to stop it from watching for fraud to helping SNAP cardholders lock their cards. Criminals are using a trick called skimming to steal card numbers. This means they put a device on card readers to copy the card info. A report from FICO a credit scoring agency shows that this type of theft grew by 368% from 2021 to 2022.
News reports from WEWS and USA Today have highlighted the impact of SNAP benefit theft on individuals in Ohio and nationwide. In response ODJFS has implemented several measures to combat fraud. They are reminding SNAP recipients to safeguard their PINs and cards offering advice to retailers to identify and prevent fraudulent activities. Additionally, ODJFS collaborates with local agencies to educate the community about fraud prevention and its consequences. Furthermore, they share information with other agencies to aid in the apprehension of individuals engaging in fraudulent activities.
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Ohio Alerts SNAP Users: Stay Vigilant Against Fraud to Safeguard Your Benefits! (PHOTO: Dayton Daily News)
Protecting SNAP Benefits: Safety Tips and Reimbursement Assistance Available
To stay safe SNAP users should manage their benefits carefully. They can use a secure app called ConnectEBT on their phone or tablet. They should also lock their card when they’re not using it and make sure to have a unique PIN that’s hard to guess. ODJFS has already reimbursed over $1.4 million to about 3,400 people whose benefits were stolen since October 1, 2022. If someone’s benefits were stolen electronically they can ask their local Job and Family Services office for help getting their money back. ODJFS wants to make sure SNAP benefits stay safe and help those who’ve been affected by fraud.
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