Disabled Houston resident, mother of three, falls victim to SNAP benefits fraud

Disabled Houston resident, mother of three, falls victim to SNAP benefits fraud

In a bid to curb the rising issue of SNAP benefit theft and address the surge in SNAP fraud, several measures and recommendations have been implemented across the United States, including in Houston.

Recipients are encouraged to secure their accounts by creating unique, hard-to-guess PINs and changing them frequently, especially before new benefits are deposited each month. Common or easily guessed PINs make accounts vulnerable to theft. Texas, for example, provides the free *Your Texas Benefits app* that allows recipients to lock their Lone Star card between purchases, change the PIN, and monitor transaction activity for suspicious behavior. Similar tools and mobile apps also help alert users to unauthorized transactions.

Account monitoring and locking features are essential in preventing fraud. Texas Health and Human Services advises clients to be proactive about preventing fraud on their Lone Star Card. If a client has been a victim of fraud, they should call the Lone Star Help Desk to change their PIN and cancel their card.

Quick reporting of suspected fraud or theft is critical. Clients can report the fraud to the OIG by calling 2-1-1 and picking option 3. States provide resources and instructions for reporting compromised SNAP EBT cards, often via phone, online, or mobile apps, enabling timely action like freezing the card to prevent further unauthorized use.

Public awareness and education campaigns are crucial in safeguarding SNAP accounts. Agencies like the Arkansas Department of Human Services emphasize the importance of safeguarding SNAP accounts, warning about scams that try to trick recipients into revealing PINs, and advocating for vigilance against card skimmers or suspicious devices at payment terminals.

Law enforcement and prosecution efforts are also being intensified. Officials condemn SNAP benefit theft as a serious crime affecting vulnerable families and push for prosecution of fraudsters to the fullest extent of the law. Texas lawmakers are pushing for a bill that includes SNAP theft paybacks.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain as fraud schemes evolve. Programs confront issues such as a preference in some government policies to tolerate minor overpayments over the risk of denying eligible recipients, which complicates fraud enforcement.

As of last December, Congress no longer provides replacement funds for victims of SNAP benefit theft. This leaves families like that of Yolanda Berryhill, a Houston mother, struggling to feed their families. Yolanda had $730 drained from her SNAP benefits right after funds were deposited. The stolen funds were spent at a Walmart in Germantown, Maryland.

The Harris County Sheriff's office is investigating the theft of SNAP benefits. In response, the USDA reports a 55% increase in SNAP benefit theft this year. To request replacement benefits due to unauthorized use, clients need to complete Form H1854 and go to their local HHSC benefits office.

To help manage their SNAP benefits, recipients can use the Propel app, which alerts them to suspicious activity. The app also helps users manage their benefits effectively.

These efforts are active in Houston and across the U.S. to reduce the increasing trend of SNAP fraud and ensure benefits reach those in genuine need. However, it is crucial for recipients to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their SNAP accounts.

1. In Texas, the free Your Texas Benefits app is available for SNAP recipients to lock their Lone Star card between purchases, change the PIN, and monitor transaction activity for suspicious behavior.
2. If a client has been a victim of SNAP fraud, they should call the Lone Star Help Desk to change their PIN and cancel their card.
3. States provide resources and instructions for reporting compromised SNAP EBT cards, often via phone, online, or mobile apps, enabling timely action like freezing the card to prevent further unauthorized use.
4. Public awareness and education campaigns are crucial in safeguarding SNAP accounts, warning about scams that try to trick recipients into revealing PINs, and advocating for vigilance against card skimmers or suspicious devices at payment terminals.
5. Officials condemn SNAP benefit theft as a serious crime affecting vulnerable families and push for prosecution of fraudsters to the fullest extent of the law.
6. To help manage their SNAP benefits effectively, recipients can use the Propel app, which alerts them to suspicious activity, and the Harris County Sheriff's office is investigating the theft of SNAP benefits.

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