SALT LAKE CITY — Utah food stamp recipients are facing a challenging situation as many have reported their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards being compromised. This has left them without access to their benefits for the month, forcing them to go without essentials like food and groceries. Some recipients have shared their frustration with FOX 13 News, revealing the tough reality of being unable to purchase basic necessities.
Gonzales shared his shock when he tried to use his EBT card on Sunday morning, only to find a zero balance. With no funds available, he couldn’t buy any food for his family.
When he reached out to the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS), Gonzales was informed that his case was not an isolated incident. According to DWS deputy director Kevin Burt, there was no data breach or hack involving Utah’s food assistance program. However, a growing issue of compromised cards has been reported across the country, especially since Christmas.
“There has been an increase nationally with some issues with compromised cards, but there is not a data hack,” Burt clarified.
Barton Gonzales learned from DWS that many people across the country were facing the same problem. In fact, he was told that thousands of people have been affected by similar card compromises. Gonzales mentioned that he wasn’t the only one facing issues in Utah, as multiple states reported similar incidents.
Jennifer Snyder, another food stamp recipient from North Salt Lake, also found her EBT card compromised. Snyder noticed fraudulent transactions made in different states, including Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
“I saw seven transactions between Pennsylvania and New Jersey,” said Snyder. This included purchases she never made. Snyder shared her frustration when she tried to use her EBT card at a 7-Eleven store. “I went to buy my son a drink, and when I swiped the card, it was denied due to ‘insufficient funds,’” she explained.
For Snyder and others like her, the situation is devastating. The impact of food insecurity is already overwhelming, and now, they are dealing with the emotional strain of being targeted by scammers.
Snyder explained how these scams are affecting families. “It’s just me, my husband, and my son. It’s really sad, it makes me feel worn down and depressed, and it’s just not right,” said Snyder. The experience highlights the vulnerability of people who rely on food stamps to feed their families.
The Utah Department of Workforce Services has advised food stamp recipients to regularly change their PINs to reduce the risk of further card compromises. “Individual cards have been compromised, and unfortunately, some people have lost their benefits,” said Burt.
However, Burt also explained why the state cannot reimburse individuals for the lost benefits. “Federal funding was initially introduced to help replace benefits lost due to compromised cards. However, that funding has since expired, meaning anyone who lost their benefits due to these scams will not be able to get a replacement,” he said.
While Gonzales and others hope for more robust security measures in the future, they’re left with no recourse for this month. In the meantime, Gonzales is advising others to stay vigilant. “Check your accounts regularly, and I highly recommend you change your password,” he urged.
Additional Recommendations for EBT Recipients
Food stamp recipients are encouraged to keep a close eye on their accounts and report any suspicious activity immediately. The situation emphasizes the need for stronger security measures to prevent fraud and ensure that people who rely on these benefits are protected from further harm.
While DWS has promised to monitor the issue and provide updates, for now, many recipients are left without their monthly benefits, struggling to make ends meet. It is vital for authorities to take steps to improve the security of these cards to ensure that those who need assistance most are not left in vulnerable positions.
