Rep. McNally Releases Statement on SNAP Benefit Theft

COLUMBUS - State Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today issued the following statements and guidance from the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries who have become victims of either skimming or hacking, resulting in a theft of funds from their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

“No one should go hungry, least of all children. I am deeply troubled by the calls to my office from people desperate to feed their families and keep the lights on,” said Rep. McNally. “While the scope of this problem is big, and it will take time to identify long-term solutions that won’t come quick enough, I am committed to doing that work and making sure people have the necessary information to get connected to resources that can address their immediate, very urgent needs. I am here for you.” 

Following word from residents and media outlets of the loss in federal funding to reimburse victims whose EBT card balances were criminally depleted, Rep. McNally requested a meeting with ODJFS for clarity on the status of the program, ideas for theft prevention, and information to share to help educate Ohioans. Upon observing an uptick in suspicious activity, ODJFS issued a warning concerning SNAP benefit fraud and provided steps to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim including:

• Managing your benefits by downloading the secure ConnectEBT app on your mobile phone or tablet. Through the App’s card lock features, users can enable a feature that requires the user to unlock their EBT prior to making any purchases, including in-state.
• Creating a PIN for your card that is unique and difficult to guess.
• Changing your PIN monthly, before each scheduled deposit.
• Never sharing your card number or PIN. ODJFS will never ask for these numbers.
• Carefully examining point-of-sale card readers before using them to check for skimming devices.
• When using your card, covering the keypad with your body or hand to stop others from seeing your PIN.
• Not using a card reader if you notice anything unusual.
• Pulling at the edges of the keypad before swiping your EBT card to ensure there is nothing over the reader.
• Notifying store staff if you notice anything suspicious with the card reader. 

ODJFS also advised that people are encouraged to contact local foodbanks or community action agencies, as well as meet with their county JFS to discuss their eligibility for benefits through a Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) benefits program, designed to divert families from ongoing Cash Assistance by providing short-term assistance to address an emergent need and help families retain and maintain employment. PRC programs vary county-to-county.

“Even the existing reimbursement program that is no longer being funded could at times take 30 days to get resources into the hands of someone who is already in desperate need. That can feel like a lifetime when we’re talking about very basic and essential things like food and utilities,” said Rep. McNally. “We have to make sure people are aware of the risks and taking all precautions necessary, while also looking at this system as a whole to identify opportunities for prevention.” 

Rep. McNally also spent several hours speaking with foodbank leaders around the state. Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley provides food in three counties: Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull County, operating a number of public food distributions through 160 local member agencies and Mobile Pantries. Local hunger relief networks can best be reached by dialing 2-1-1, which can connect theft victims to their closest foodbanks while also identifying other helpful local programs meant to address meeting their basic needs.  

“Our network of 160 local hunger-relief organizations with community backing stand ready to help those in our region who are struggling with food insecurity,” said Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley Executive Director Michael Iberis.