Food stamp theft cases are on the rise, with no sign of decreasing. On August 23, New York Congressman Daniel Goldman announced his participation in Maryland Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger’s “SNAP Theft Protection Act,” calling for federal funding to continue providing relief to victims of food stamp fraud.
The proposal is currently under review by the House Agriculture Committee, with bipartisan lawmakers who support the bill sending a letter to both houses of Congress on August 23 urging its passage.
To combat the significant increase in food stamp fraud cases, the U.S. Congress passed the 2023 Comprehensive Appropriations Act at the end of 2022, providing relief to victims of food stamp theft from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2024. However, after September 30, 2023, the “2023 Comprehensive Appropriations Act” will no longer apply.
The “SNAP Theft Protection Act” introduced by bipartisan lawmakers aims to include a provision in the upcoming temporary appropriations bill to allow victims of food stamp fraud to continue receiving compensation from federal and state funds.
Moreover, the proposal also encourages states to track hackers who steal victims’ skimmed data through credit or debit card transactions, enhancing the security of the public’s use of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
In a statement on August 23, Democratic Congressman Goldman emphasized, “Every year, tens of thousands of New Yorkers have millions of SNAP benefits stolen, putting families and seniors at risk of financial hardship.”
Goldman further stated that as the budget deadline approaches, Congress must ensure that a budget providing full funding for SNAP is passed.
Fraudsters use transparent plastic covers on card readers to capture and transmit victims’ EBT card PINs and personal information, allowing them to access food stamp benefits without needing the original card.
Because EBT cards are currently not protected under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, users of credit and financial cards lack protection. The “SNAP Theft Protection Act” enables victims of EBT theft and other fraudulent activities to recover stolen benefits and allows states to trace stolen data.
Democratic New York Congressman Grace Meng and Republican New York Congressman Mike Lawler are also part of Congressman Ruppersberger’s proposal.