14-05-2025
Grandmother discovers her SNAP benefits were stolen on Mother's Day
MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (KFOR) — Another Oklahoman has fallen victim to stolen SNAP benefits, this time, on Mother's Day.
Jonelaine Williams was buying groceries for her family on Sunday when she realized scammers had wiped her benefits right off her card.
'When I seen that on Sunday, it just ruined my Mother's Day totally. It was terrible,' said Williams.
Williams is currently raising her two grandchildren.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: More SNAP benefits stolen; DHS reminds users to lock cards
She normally receives around $400 each month.
'They got it all except $18,' said Williams.
The thieves were able to use Williams' card at a wholesale store in Massachusetts.
'How they got my name and my card numbers is I don't understand,' said Williams.
Williams said she's been using the propel app and blocked out any out of state purchases, however that didn't matter.
The Department of Human Services sent News 4 the following statement:
ConnectEBT is the app that people should use to protect their benefits. As long as their card is locked, their benefits are safe. We recommend individuals keep their card locked except to make purchases and then immediately lock it back.
The Department of Human Services
'I knew the propel one. Their advice to me was to cut that card off and said that I would receive a new card in ten days. What good is that going to be?' said Williams.
Unfortunately, Williams was told there was nothing the state could do.
'DHS suggested that maybe I contact some churches and see if they might pay a bill for me to free up the funds from that,' said Williams.
Williams was forced to buy her family's groceries this month, leaving her in a tough financial situation.
'I'm sitting over $275 overdrawn in my account,' said Williams.
Like many other Oklahomans, Williams is asking for more to be done to protect her benefits.
'We're doing what they tell us to. I thought I was safe, but I wasn't,' said Williams.
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