If you’re struggling to put food on the table, an EBT card can help. Unfortunately, more people are falling victim to hackers who steal funds from these cards. This was the case for 85-year-old Barbara Rado, who recently reached out for help after her benefits were taken.
Barbara isn’t shy about sharing her thoughts. “What are they gonna do? Put me in jail? Go for it!” she exclaimed, meaning she’s not afraid to speak her mind. She uses her EBT card, which she calls “food stamps,” to buy groceries. But on a recent shopping trip, she discovered her EBT card had just 93 cents.
What happened? Barbara had been hospitalized and hadn’t used her card in November. In December, someone hacked her account and stole $275. “How could they take money?” she wondered, baffled by the theft. When she thought the state hadn’t deposited funds, it turned out that hackers had accessed her card again, this time stealing $100.
Barbara did everything she could to report the theft. She contacted the police and the social services agency but found the state’s response frustrating. Even after they canceled her old card and issued a new one, she learned they wouldn’t return her stolen money. "I’m just sitting here with no money to buy food," she said, feeling helpless.
Howard Finkelstein, an expert in public policy, explained that Congress allowed a law mandating reimbursement for stolen EBT funds to expire. This means Barbara won’t get back the $100 stolen in January but might still recover the December funds if she reports it promptly. Unfortunately, she later found out that she was too late on the latter claim.
Barbara’s situation highlights a larger issue affecting many low-income families who rely on EBT assistance. According to a recent report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, electronic benefit fraud has surged in recent years, causing significant distress for vulnerable individuals and families.
Many people are expressing their frustration online. Social media is brimming with discussions about the lack of protection for EBT users. It’s clear that this issue resonates with countless others who fear losing their essential benefits.
Barbara worries for parents with children who might also face hackers. "I feel bad for them," she said. "How can you do this to people? You are starving people."
Barbara’s experience acts as a wake-up call. Although she eventually received a new card, the emotional toll of losing vital funds was heavy.
To protect yourself, consider these tips:
- Change your PIN regularly.
- Keep your card in a secure location.
- Monitor your account regularly for unauthorized transactions.
For more about safeguarding your EBT benefits, you can check out resources from the Florida Department of Children and Families here.
As Barbara’s story illustrates, the fight against fraud is ongoing, and the stakes are high. Let’s hope there are better protections in place soon for those who depend on these vital resources.
Check out this related article: Urgent Alert: Hackers Target Utahns’ Food Stamp Benefits as Reimbursement Funds Deplete
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