SALT LAKE CITY – Imagine standing in line at a grocery store, ready to pay, but then realizing your account is empty. It’s a daunting situation, and it’s one that Lisa Mickelsen knows all too well.
Lisa, who lives with a disability, relies on food stamps to make ends meet. Recently, she reached out to KSL Investigators after discovering that hackers had drained her SNAP benefits for the month. “I logged in to check my balance,” Lisa said, “and found all my money had vanished, spent at a deli in Philadelphia—somewhere I’ve never been.”
Lisa has tried everything to keep her account safe. She’s replaced her card four times and changed her pin so many times she’s lost count. Despite her efforts, she still faced theft. “Even with these precautions, I can’t protect myself,” she lamented.
In the past, Lisa and others could report fraudulent charges and get their benefits back. However, that has changed. An automated message now tells people that if benefits are stolen after December 31, 2024, they won’t be replaced. “It’s heartbreaking to hear that,” says Lisa. “When you rely on every dollar, losing those funds is devastating.”
About 83,000 households in Utah depend on SNAP benefits. Becky Wickstrom from the Department of Workforce Services understands the toll this takes. “We recognize that this is a critical issue for families,” she noted. Unfortunately, Wickstrom mentioned that hackers are specifically targeting individual EBT cards, and funding for reimbursements has dried up. “It acts like a debit card, and once the money is gone, it’s just gone,” she explained.
What’s being done? Wickstrom said the department is working with federal agencies and card vendors to improve security measures, but there’s no quick fix in sight. Utah is one of over 20 states using the same vendor, and they are currently renegotiating their contract for potential improvements this fall.
Meanwhile, people like Lisa have to find alternative ways to put food on the table. After losing her benefits, she headed to a local church with a food bank, where volunteers reported seeing more people coming in to seek assistance. “It’s frustrating,” Lisa said. “We can achieve incredible things, but we can’t figure out how to protect vulnerable individuals like myself.”
Wickstrom offered advice for others facing similar issues: change your pin the night before benefits are deposited and use those funds promptly. “We’re seeing that people who save their benefits are more at risk for theft, especially when it comes to online transactions,” she explained.
The growing problem of fraud against SNAP benefits is alarming. According to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly $1 billion was lost to fraud across the U.S. in 2022 alone. With the lingering challenges of cybersecurity, this trend poses a significant risk to those relying on these essential benefits.
As people share their experiences on social media, the stories are sparking conversations about the need for better protections for vulnerable populations. Many are calling for urgent changes, emphasizing that no one should feel powerless when trying to provide for their families.
For Lisa and others like her, the reality is harsh. As they navigate this crisis, they hope for a swift solution that ensures security and peace of mind. Until then, community support remains vital for those affected.
Check out this related article: Two Injured in Roof Collapse at Oakdale Cost Less Food Store: What Happened?
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