THOUSANDS in SNAP benefits were yanked from recipients after devices claimed months of food stamps.
Justice is almost here for hundreds of Ohio residents after three people were indicted on allegations of using credit card killers.
The suspects allegedly stole more than $600,000 from SNAP recipients, and there may be more victims in other states.
“It was embarrassing, disappointing, I did not understand what was going on at first,” SNAP recipient Shadawna Collier told NBC affiliate WCMH-TV.
Nearly a year ago, social worker Lakisa Dukes became aware of a fraudulent operation and alerted the Ohio Investigative Unit to investigate the deployment of card skimmers.
“I love it,” Dukes told the outlet.
“I love it because I felt like so many people had been affected by this and no one was listening.”
Dukes said she heard from several clients who were victims of the fraud.
“This is literally families who, that is all they have for food,” she said.
Last year, nearly 27,000 people reported that their SNAP benefits were gone, totaling $14 million in taxpayer money, reported WCMH-TV.
Collier called the suspects’ arrests “relieving.”
“I know a lot of people rely on the food stamps,” she said.
“The individuals involved in this case are targeting some of the nation’s most financially vulnerable individuals by exploiting SNAP benefits nationwide,” stated Sam Love, the Agent in Charge of the Ohio Investigative Unit.
Investigators were able to track the suspects across the US.
Dozens of fraudulent cards filled with stolen funds were found, said Love.
“They’re very transient, they travel all over,” he added.
What is a skimmer device?
A skimmer device is a fraud tool designed to steal sensitive information from credit or debit cards during transactions.
- Imagine a skimmer device as a sneaky thief that hides on ATMs or card machines.
- Its job is to secretly steal your credit or debit card information when you use it for a transaction.
- These devices are like tiny spies that can copy your card details, including the card number and PIN, without you even realizing it.
- Skimmers can be cleverly disguised to look just like the regular card reader, making them hard to spot.
- Once they have your information, bad guys can use it to make fake cards or buy things without your permission, causing a lot of trouble and stress.
- It’s important to always be cautious and check for anything unusual on card machines before using them to protect yourself from these sneaky devices.
“They went all over the country.”
As detailed in an Ohio Investigative Unit press release, a search conducted on the suspects’ vehicle uncovered over $62,600 in cash, numerous gold coins, assorted pieces of gold jewelry, four cell phones, suspected cloned credit cards, and various records.
During the arrest, investigators allegedly found machines used to copy stolen card information and skimmers.
“The ones they are putting on now are pretty small,” said Love.
“They can slip right onto the terminal, and it takes a good bit of effort for us to pull them off.”
Ohio isn’t alone in these thefts, as most states use SNAP cards that swipe, making them easy targets.
Adding a chip feature to the cards could stop about 85% of thefts, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
“We know there’s more going on,” said Love.
“So the work continues, but it’s just, you know, on to the next case.”
