SALT LAKE CITY — Tiffany Wirtz was shocked when she discovered her food stamp benefits had been stolen. Standing at the grocery store checkout, she felt embarrassed and frustrated, not knowing what to do. Wirtz, who depends on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for her and her 12-year-old son, checked her account balance before shopping. Yet, by the end of her trip, her monthly grocery funds were gone—drained by payments to a business in New York, leaving her with just $1.30.
“Why take from those who are already struggling?” she wondered. “It’s devastating.”
Wirtz isn’t the only one facing this issue. Reports indicate that a surge of individuals in Utah have become targets of online fraud. The Utah Department of Workforce Services noted more than 700 reports of benefit theft each month from October 2024 to January 2025, peaking at over 1,000 in December alone.
As of February, around 87,000 households in Utah receive SNAP benefits. However, federal funds meant for reimbursing stolen benefits have run out, leaving many victims in a tough spot without support. According to Kevin Burt from the Department of Workforce Services, “Unfortunately, some individuals have had their benefits stolen. We’re working to educate the public on preventative measures.”
To combat this growing trend, the department recommends that beneficiaries change their passwords and PINs frequently, especially before their benefits are added. However, victims like Wirtz feel this advice doesn’t address deeper security flaws. “There should be a way for us to lock our cards to protect ourselves,” she stated.
In late 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture informed states that they could use state funds to replace stolen benefits, but Utah did not pursue this option. Burt explained that their focus has been on prevention rather than reimbursement. “Funds for addressing this problem weren’t requested during this legislative session,” he added.
Meanwhile, ongoing discussions about improving security measures are critical. The option for chip technology on SNAP EBT cards has been proposed as a way to enhance security. Yet, there hasn’t been a firm commitment from the state regarding this upgrade. Many, including Wirtz, believe stronger measures should be implemented to protect vulnerable populations from fraud.
Fraudulent activities targeting food stamp benefits are not just a local issue. It’s a national problem affecting many states. The FBI and state authorities are aware of these allegations, though specific investigations remain undisclosed.
The impact of food stamp fraud goes beyond the numbers. Victims experience real hardship, unable to provide adequate food for their families. As Wirtz put it, relying on food banks “is not a fix for the problem.”
For those interested in more information, it’s essential to stay updated on safety recommendations and governmental responses. Victims can report their experiences to the USDA’s Office of Inspector General for further investigation into this troubling trend.
Check out this related article: Northridge High Students Unite to Provide Essential Food Donations for Homeless Teens
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