Latest news with #ElectronicBenefitsTransfer
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Idaho runs SNAP efficiently, officials say. But Congress might make state pay millions more.
At a farm market in St. Petersburg, Florida, SNAP recipients were able to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer cards for food. (Photo by Lance Cheung/USDA). Earlier this month, Idaho Gov. Brad Little said he had thoughts on the 'big, beautiful bill' advancing through Congress. To extend 2017 tax cuts, the bill would deeply cut federal spending for programs, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Speaking to reporters, Little said he wondered how it would impact Idaho. 'I don't want to be in a position to where the big, beautiful bill passes, and myself and all my fellow governors are going to be back there whining and crying,' he said on May 12. ID governor joins letter to Trump supporting bill that cuts billions from Medicaid, food assistance But he soon added that Idaho would be better prepared than other states — because of the state's stockpiled rainy day fund, and investments in facilities, schools and roads. 'I've said this many times: With what we've done in the past, where we are, almost anything that happens at the federal level is going to impact the other 49 states more than it is Idaho,' Little said. 'And I feel that about the big, beautiful bill.' Last week, he threw his support behind the bill — also backed by President Donald Trump. The bill passed the U.S. House and now heads to the U.S. Senate. It could shift millions of dollars in SNAP costs onto Idaho. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SNAP is a federal program that states run. The federal government pays for benefits. But states already chip in somewhat, by splitting administrative costs with the federal government. 'States have really very little flexibility or options in how to administer it,' the Idaho governor's budget chief, Lori Wolff, told the Idaho Capital Sun in an interview. But where states do have flexibility, Idaho opts toward oversight, she explained — like limiting exemptions for SNAP work requirements, prosecuting fraud cases, and ensuring payments are made accurately. Idaho has been among the top three states for payment accuracies for years, Wolff said. In Little's remarks a couple weeks ago, he leaned on Idaho's metrics, too. Idaho is one of the most efficient states at running the federal SNAP program, he said, citing a recent report that showed Idaho had a range of extra program accountability measures than other states. 'That's one of the things I'm worried about, is they categorically tell all the states, 'We're going to cut your program by such and such,'' Idaho's governor said. 'And I says, 'We're doing a good job. We've got the highest compliance rate, the least amount of fraud. Why would you penalize us?'' Last week, Little and 19 other Republican governors endorsed the bill, two days before it passed the U.S. House with only support from congressional Republicans. Changes are expected in the U.S. Senate. But as it stands now, the bill would benefit wealthy taxpayers more while decreasing resources for low-income families, an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found. Idaho has the second lowest SNAP payment error rate in the nation, which is only behind South Dakota, according to the most recent data from the United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA. That figure measures 'the accuracy of each state's eligibility and benefit determinations,' USDA says. CONTACT US The Gem State is among only seven states that would qualify for the lowest state cost-sharing for SNAP under the bill being considered in Congress, States Newsroom reported. The bill would require those states to pay for 5% of SNAP benefits, and require states with higher SNAP error rates to pay even more. It could raise Idaho's costs for SNAP by at least $18 million, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare spokesperson AJ McWhorter told the Sun. That requirement wouldn't start until 2028. So that gives Idaho officials time to plan, he said. Idaho already pitches in some money for SNAP. Last year, Idaho spent more than $8 million to run the program, McWhorter said. But that is only a small fraction of what the program costs. Last year, Idaho's SNAP program gave out $271 million in benefits to low-income families last year, he said. Less than 3.5% of Idaho's SNAP payments were in error, USDA data shows. That's around three times lower than the national average payment error rate, which was 11.7%. 'Idaho is often seen as a model for successful SNAP administration,' McWhorter said. 'Federal policymakers can use us as an example for other states.' The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare on May 16 asked the federal government for permission to ban candy and soda from being covered by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. This year, the Legislature required Health and Welfare to submit that waiver through House Bill 109. Last week, Nebraska became the first state to receive approval for that type of waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Nebraska Examiner reported. More than 3 million people would lose SNAP benefits under GOP bill, nonpartisan report says In a news release, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare cited USDA data to claim that about 20% of SNAP purchases nationally are for 'sugary beverages and snacks.' The agency couldn't immediately share the source for that claim. A USDA spokesperson directed the Idaho Capital Sun to a 2016 study that found 'About 20 cents out of every dollar was spent on sweetened beverages, desserts, salty snacks, candy and sugar.' The study has many limitations, and 'should not be considered nationally representative,' the USDA spokesperson added. The American Heart Association says it supports Idaho's move and is asking the USDA to quickly approve the waiver. 'The American Heart Association is committed to removing sugary drinks from SNAP, and we are proud to stand in support of Idaho's efforts to do so over the soda industry's unconscionable opposition,' American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown said in a written statement. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Authorities launch NYC crackdown on credit-card-skim rings responsible for $18B in stolen money: ‘People are coming for you'
Authorities cracking down on national organized-crime rings swiping $18 billion a year through ATM card-skimming have now turned their sights on aiding Big Apple victims. The US Secret Service, which investigates financial crimes along with protecting the president, started the crackdown in California last year because of the staggering problem and has now expanded to team up with a new NYPD task force to try to thwart the criminals better here. 'It's billions of dollars [stolen] annually across the nation, so that jumps off the page by any metric,' Secret Service spokesman James Byrne told The Post on Wednesday, as the New York City initiative was rolled out. 'That's the impetus for it.' The feds launched 'Operation Flagship' after the US Department of Agriculture and credit-card carriers detected such theft involving the government's food-assistance, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, cards. The skimming devices can be installed on top of the ATM and remotely steal PIN numbers and other data from the user's card use the information to steal the money. Scammers simply attack the device using double-sided tape. Thieves can also install tiny cameras in the ATMs that grab images of the PIN number on a card. In the Big Apple, the rings primarily target the poorest neighborhoods, authorities said. 'Unfortunately, they're targeting people who really need the money the most, and that's why this problem is really blowing up in the city,' NYPD Detective James Lilla said. 'They'll come in, distract the teller, the [skimming] device will go on. It can take 2 to 4 seconds to install the device.' 'They're targeting, particularly, for EBT cash benefits,' said Lilla, who is assigned to work with the Secret Service. 'So, [it's] direct access for those victims, because those cards are not chip-protected. They're able to get direct access and a monthly income coming in for the money.' The devices steal an average of $300,000 per skimming device — and $1,000 for each person targeted, authorities said. The joint federal task force focused on bodegas and small markets in Brooklyn on Wednesday and plans to hit locations this week to look for skimmers. 'It's a message to folks that are doing these crimes,' said Patrick Freaney, Secret Service special agent in charge of the agency's New York office, to The Post. 'People are coming for you.' Secret Service agent Michael Peck said, 'They are taking the terminals that you see in stores visually, and they are fitting these skimmers so perfectly that the average eye doesn't catch them.' 'You have to know specifically how to feel for them, or you have to look for other triggers,' he added. 'Maybe glue, maybe a piece of tape and maybe fake seals.' The task force uses a high-tech approach to track down the scamming ATMs, which triangulates data from the USDA, credit card companies and local law enforcement to catch the crooks. 'It's definitely organized crime that's doing this,' Peck said.
New York Post
21-05-2025
- New York Post
Authorities launch NYC crackdown on credit-card-skim rings: ‘People are coming for you'
Authorities cracking down on national organized-crime rings swiping $18 billion a year through ATM card-skimming have now turned their sights on aiding Big Apple victims. The US Secret Service, which investigates financial crimes along with protecting the president, started the crackdown in California last year because of the staggering problem and has now expanded to team up with a new NYPD task force to try to thwart the criminals better here. 'It's billions of dollars [stolen] annually across the nation, so that jumps off the page by any metric,' Secret Service spokesman James Byrne told The Post on Wednesday, as the New York City initiative was rolled out. Advertisement 3 The NYPD and the US Secret Service announced Operation Flagship, which targets ATM crooks in the city. Paul Martinka for the NYPost 'That's the impetus for it.' The feds launched 'Operation Flagship' after the US Department of Agriculture and credit-card carriers detected such theft involving the government's food-assistance, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, cards. The skimming devices can be installed on top of the ATM and remotely steal PIN numbers and other data from the user's card use the information to steal the simply attack the device using double-sided tape. Thieves can also install tiny cameras in the ATMs that grab images of the PIN number on a card. Advertisement In the Big Apple, the rings primarily target the poorest neighborhoods, authorities said. 'Unfortunately, they're targeting people who really need the money the most, and that's why this problem is really blowing up in the city,' NYPD Detective James Lilla said. 'They'll come in, distract the teller, the [skimming] device will go on. It can take 2 to 4 seconds to install the device. 'They're targeting, particularly, for EBT cash benefits,' said Lilla, who is assigned to work with the Secret Service. 'So, [it's] direct access for those victims, because those cards are not chip-protected. They're able to get direct access and a monthly income coming in for the money.' 3 The US Secret Service said ATM skimming is an $18 billion underground industry in the country, including in New York. Paul Martinka for the NYPost Advertisement The devices steal an average of $300,000 per skimming device — and $1,000 for each person targeted, authorities said. The joint federal task force focused on bodegas and small markets in Brooklyn on Wednesday and plans to hit locations this week to look for skimmers. 'It's a message to folks that are doing these crimes,' said Patrick Freaney, Secret Service special agent in charge of the agency's New York office, to The Post. 'People are coming for you.' Secret Service agent Michael Peck said, 'They are taking the terminals that you see in stores visually, and they are fitting these skimmers so perfectly that the average eye doesn't catch them. Advertisement 3 ATM scammers target New York's poorest because public assistance cards are the easiest to hack into, authorities said. Paul Martinka for the NYPost 'You have to know specifically how to feel for them, or you have to look for other triggers,' he added. 'Maybe glue, maybe a piece of tape and maybe fake seals.' The task force uses a high-tech approach to track down the scamming ATMs, which triangulates data from the USDA, credit card companies and local law enforcement to catch the crooks. 'it's definitely organized crime that's doing this,' Peck said.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Yahoo
‘It's devastating': Thousands of Utah families are losing their food stamps to scammers
Tiffany Wirtz was counting on her SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits to help her get through the month. But when she went to buy groceries in February her account had already been emptied, reports KSL TV 5. The money was spent at a business in New York, leaving her with just $1.30 to feed herself and her 12-year-old son for an entire month. 'It doesn't make any sense why you would take from people that already are struggling. We're already barely keeping our heads above water just in our daily life.' Wirtz told reporters. 'And then just a hit like that is… it's devastating, really.' She's far from alone. According to the Utah Department of Workforce Services, an average of 700 reports of stolen EBT benefits were filed each month from October 2024 through January 2025. The problem peaked in December when more than 1,000 Utahns reported the theft of their SNAP benefits. These benefits are distributed monthly through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card at authorized grocery stores and retailers. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Thieves often use skimming devices — small, hidden card readers attached to store card machines — to steal EBT card numbers and PINs. Some also use phishing texts or calls to trick recipients into revealing their card details. Once scammers have this information, they can clone the card and drain the account, often within hours of the monthly deposit being made. However, when EBT fraud occurs, victims have little recourse. The federal funds once used to reimburse stolen benefits ran out in December 2024, and the state has not stepped in to fill the gap. In a December memo, the U.S. Department of Agriculture told states they could use their own funds to replace stolen SNAP benefits. But Utah didn't. 'In order to be able to do that, the Department of Workforce Services would need to have funds,' said Kevin Burt, deputy director of the department. 'And there were not funds approved to be able to issue that type of reimbursement.' Burt added that the department hadn't requested those funds during the last legislative session because the deadline for funding requests came before officials realized the federal money would run out. Read more: The US stock market's 'fear gauge' has exploded — but this 1 'shockproof' asset is up 14% and helping American retirees stay calm. Here's how to own it ASAP The USDA recently announced that states can now opt to upgrade their SNAP EBT cards to include chip technology, which could help deter card skimming. The federal government will reimburse states for half the cost of this upgrade. Utah officials say they're exploring the option but haven't committed to adopting chip cards yet. In the meantime, the Department of Workforce Services is working with its EBT card vendor to improve card security. But for some Utahns, the move is not enough and comes too late. 'It's not fair. It's not our fault,' Wirtz said. 'There should be some type of way for us to lock our card for us to protect ourselves.' Until more secure systems are in place, SNAP recipients must be vigilant about keeping their cards — and their benefits — secure. Here are a few ways to protect yourself from EBT fraud. Create a complex PIN and keep it a secret: Never share your card number or PIN with anyone who doesn't live with you. At the store, cover the keypad when entering your PIN to keep prying eyes away. Watch for phishing attempts: State agencies will never call, text or email you asking for your PIN or full card number. Be cautious of messages asking for personal information, including emails and pop-ups on your computer. Change your PIN often: Consider changing your PIN monthly, right before your deposit hits. This can help prevent thieves from using stolen data to access your funds. Check your balance frequently: Monitor your EBT account for unauthorized charges or changes to your information. If you see any suspicious activity, change your PIN immediately and contact your local SNAP office. Report theft right away: If you think your benefits were stolen, contact your local SNAP office or the USDA Office of Inspector General. You should also consider filing a police report. For now, families like Wirtz's are being forced to wait until the next month's payment and rely on local food banks, which isn't always enough. As discussions continue about card security upgrades and potential policy changes, victims need to stay wary and take precautions. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Yahoo
Tazewell County Sheriff's Office warns community about EBT card scams
TAZEWELL COUNTY, VA (WVNS) — The Tazewell County Sheriff's Office warned the community about EBT card scams. According to a post on the Tazewell County Virginia Sheriff's Office's Facebook page, law enforcement received multiple reports about people with compromised Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. The post stated that the reports included information about unauthorized transactions that were made out of the area, and that the full amount was withdrawn from some people's accounts. Raleigh County Sheriff's Office warns community about scam calls The Tazewell County Sheriff's Office stated that people can protect their EBT cards by keeping their PIN a secret, changing their PIN regularly, and keeping an eye out for any unauthorized activity on their account. Individuals can also be careful when using the cards, cover the keypad when entering the PIN number, and look out for any tampered card readers. People can report suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions at their local department of Social Services, and additional information can be found on the Virginia Department of Social Services website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
