HOUSTON — A growing number of Texans are facing a significant challenge: their SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are being stolen, and the state’s response has left many without essential food assistance.

A surge in fraud cases has left many residents unable to recover stolen funds, highlighting a deepening crisis. As a result, these individuals are forced to cope without access to food aid, leaving them in dire circumstances. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is encouraging Texans to take steps to protect themselves from fraud and to report any suspicious activity right away.

Stolen Benefits and Frustration for Houston Residents

Cedricett Longoria, a Houston resident, is among the many who have fallen victim to this fraud. She discovered that over $500 of her SNAP benefits had been stolen and spent at a local Houston business. When she tried to report the theft to the Texas Health and Human Services office, she realized that others were experiencing the same issue.

“I found out I wasn’t the only one,” Longoria told FOX 26. “I called the office, and there were other people there reporting the same thing.” However, she was informed that if the theft occurred after December 21, 2024, the stolen benefits could not be replaced. This news came as a blow, leaving her without any immediate solutions.

Attempts to reach the business where the fraud occurred were unsuccessful, as the listed phone number and website were no longer in service.

Fraud Hits Single Mother and University Student

Another victim, Darielle Godfrey, a single mother of five and a University of Houston student, also faced a similar situation. While shopping at her local Walmart, her benefits were drained in 11 separate transactions at a store called TroyMart, located in Troy, New York. Each transaction amounted to about $99, depleting her entire balance.

After reporting the theft, Godfrey was told that Texas state policy does not allow the replacement of stolen benefits. She was left without any immediate support, struggling to make ends meet for her children.

“I googled TroyMart, and it doesn’t even exist,” she explained. “You can’t even find out who did it. Food is already expensive, and now I’m just taking it day by day.”

These two incidents highlight the growing problem of food assistance fraud, which has become a widespread issue across the country, with Texas among the states grappling with its impact.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission Response

In response to the rising complaints, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission has stated that it takes the security of clients’ benefits seriously. HHSC has provided clear instructions for reporting stolen or compromised Lone Star Cards on its website. They also encourage clients to take proactive steps to prevent fraud, such as regularly monitoring transactions and changing their PINs.

The state agency has also acknowledged the issue of SNAP card skimming, a form of fraud where criminals steal the information on SNAP cards to drain the benefits. HHSC’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) has made resources available to help clients protect themselves from this type of fraud.

The HHSC advises individuals who suspect their benefits have been stolen to act quickly. Clients should immediately call the Lone Star Help Desk to cancel their card and change their PIN. Additionally, fraud can be reported by calling 2-1-1 and selecting option 3 to reach the OIG.

Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire. As of December 21, 2024, the federal funding that would have allowed for the replacement of stolen benefits has expired, meaning that Texas can no longer replace stolen SNAP benefits. This has left many vulnerable residents with no recourse for recovering their lost funds.

What Texans Can Do to Protect Their Benefits

The HHSC is encouraging Texans to be vigilant and take precautions to protect their benefits. Some recommended steps include:

• Monitor Transactions Regularly: Keep a close eye on all transactions made using your Lone Star Card. If you notice anything suspicious, report it immediately.
• Change Your PIN: Regularly update the PIN associated with your Lone Star Card to prevent unauthorized access.
• Report Fraud Immediately: If you suspect that your benefits have been stolen, call the Lone Star Help Desk to cancel your card and report the fraud to the Office of Inspector General.
• Use the “Your Texas Benefits” App: This mobile app allows you to track your benefits and report any issues in real-time.

For more information on how to prevent fraud or report stolen benefits, Texans can visit the HHSC website or use the “Your Texas Benefits” mobile app.

The Bigger Picture: National Food Assistance Fraud

The rise in SNAP fraud is not just a local issue but part of a larger national problem. Many states across the U.S. are grappling with increasing cases of fraud involving food assistance programs. With a combination of skimming, stolen cards, and data breaches, these incidents have become a persistent challenge.

As more people report stolen benefits, the call for greater protections and reforms to food assistance programs has grown louder. Advocacy groups have pushed for stronger measures to protect SNAP recipients and ensure that those who rely on these benefits can continue to access the assistance they need.

The struggle faced by Cedricett Longoria, Darielle Godfrey, and countless others is a reminder of the vulnerabilities in the system and the need for both state and federal action to protect food assistance beneficiaries.