SNAP scam crisis
“A surge in SNAP benefits theft exceeding $10 million since last fall has Pennsylvania lawmakers and advocates pushing for swift card security upgrades.
As skimming devices pop up across the state, including in Westmoreland County, more people using the federal food aid benefits are reporting that scammers drained their accounts. And a solution to stop the thefts — if state leaders budget for it — could take over a year to have in place.
People can lock their cards when not in use but once their benefits are stolen, they have little recourse. The federal government stopped offering reimbursement for stolen benefits on Dec. 20.
That means families go hungry when scammers steal their card information, said Heather Seiders, interim executive director of Just Harvest, a nonprofit that aims to reduce hunger in Allegheny County.”
Publish Date: 08-26-2025
News Outlet: Next Generation Newsroom
Author: Abigail Hakas
