A Texas father discovered $859 of his SNAP benefits had vanished after a Walmart purchase, but his card is still in his possession.
Chokri’s Stolen SNAP Funds
Chokri, who prefers to remain anonymous, told KXAN that he was shocked to find his EBT card had been used for online purchases after he loaded his SNAP benefit money onto it.
He had filled his cart with groceries and was ready to check out when he realized he could not pay. He had to leave the cart there, he said.
When he reviewed his account history, he saw a $859 Walmart transaction and other online purchases. “I don’t have no idea who did that,” he said.
Chokri has three young children and is trying to keep their spirits high this holiday season, but he is unsure whether he and his wife can afford the Christmas they’d like after the loss of his benefits.
Federal Warning and Nationwide Theft Figures
The federal government issued a warning at the beginning of the month, noting that EBT scams are common, especially around the holidays.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office released a notice on Dec. 2 stating that states had reported more than $320 million in stolen benefits between Oct. 2022 and Dec. 2023.
The notice outlined several theft methods, including card skimming, card cloning, phishing, bot attacks, and stolen numbers that give thieves access to payment networks.
It also highlighted that while SNAP agencies have taken steps to modernize cards, many preventive measures still require action from cardholders.
Prevention Steps and Personal Response
Chokri said he now plans to freeze his card after every use. “I live very tight,” he said. “My life, I’m OK, with what I get every month, but if anything happens, it messes up everything.”
A friend set up a GoFundMe to help him get through the rest of the month.
Key Takeaways
- $859 stolen from a Walmart transaction on Chokri’s EBT card.
- States reported over $320 million in stolen benefits from Oct. 2022 to Dec. 2023.
- Cardholders must take active steps, like freezing cards, to protect their benefits.
Chokri’s experience underscores the growing risk of EBT fraud and the importance of vigilance for all benefit recipients.
