Meng, Velázquez and Gillibrand Announce Relief for Victims of SNAP Theft From Skimming Scammers
January 13, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. – After working to help those who had their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits stolen through skimming scams, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced today that relief has been provided in the new federal government spending bill signed into law by President Biden.
The 2023 omnibus appropriations legislation includes two years of benefit reimbursements for SNAP recipients who had money stolen from their benefit cards on or after October 1, 2022.
Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.
The reimbursements were included after Meng urged that they be added to the bill. It also followed a letterthat the three lawmakers recently led to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture calling for the restoration of benefits, and better protection of SNAP funds.
Over the last few months, several states, including New York, have reported an increase of SNAP benefits being stolen due to skimming scams. This past year, scammers stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from SNAP beneficiaries in New York.
"Stealing vital SNAP benefits from vulnerable individuals and families and forcing them to possibly go hungry is unconscionable," said Congresswoman Meng. "After fighting for reimbursements for stolen benefits, I'm pleased that this assistance has been included in the 2023 spending bill. While there are more individuals who have been affected before October 1, 2022 that we must not forget about, this relief will help thousands who have been victims, and I remain committed to fighting for reimbursements for all who were recently impacted. I am grateful for the partnership of my colleagues and we will continue to keep up the fight against this despicable benefit theft, and ensure the integrity of the SNAP program for the millions that rely upon these benefits."
"For so many, SNAP is a crucial resource that helps working families put food on their table," said Congresswoman Velázquez. "The scammers that have stolen thousands from some of the most vulnerable families truly have no morals. I am so proud to have fought with Congresswoman Meng and Senator Gillibrand to ensure the funds that were stolen from SNAP recipients will be given back to them. However, there are still more Americans that have fallen victim to scammers and I will continue to work with my colleagues to not only prevent these types of scams but reimburse those who have had their benefits stolen."
"I'm proud that our bill to reissue SNAP benefits to those who had them stolen was included in this year's omnibus bill," said Senator Gillibrand. "SNAP provides a lifeline for millions of New Yorkers. No one should have to choose between paying their bills or feeding their family because of the actions of unscrupulous people preying on our most vulnerable communities. I will continue fighting to protect families relying on this benefit from falling victim to identity theft or a skimming scam."
Skimming can occur when criminals place a "skimming" device on an ATM or POS (point of sale) device to capture a person's PIN information and the data stored on the magnetic strip of the SNAP EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. This allows thieves to use that information to duplicate the EBT card and access the benefits in the SNAP beneficiary's account, even without the original card. Unlike credit card, debit card and pre-paid cardholders who are covered by the federal Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) and Regulation E against losses from unauthorized electronic transactions, SNAP EBT beneficiaries are not afforded the same protections. Additionally, SNAP benefit theft can occur through identity theft and hacking.