Claudette Merchant was doing what millions of parents do every day: grocery shopping for their children. However, when she reached the checkout at her local H-E-B, her Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) card was declined.
She had received her monthly deposit of nearly $700 just hours before, but by lunchtime, almost all of her funds had vanished.
“I said, you got to be kidding me,” Merchant told KPRC 2. “There’s $5 on my card. I assumed he meant $500, but it was actually $5. That is crazy.”
With only a few dollars on her card and three children to feed, the Houston single mother says every day has been a struggle.
“I’ve been scammed,” she told KPRC 2. “It’s hard for single parents, especially single mothers that don’t have help like they’re supposed to.”
Why can’t the funds be replaced?
Unfortunately, the SNAP funds cannot be replaced, even though they were taken without her permission and for no fault of her own.
Merchant is one of many victims of “SNAP skimming,” a growing form of electronic theft in which criminals install hidden devices on card readers to steal card numbers and PINs. Once the information is cloned, they can delete an account in minutes.
Until recently, stolen SNAP funds could be reimbursed through a federal protection program; however, that law expired on December 20, 2024, and Congress did not renew it.
This means that any benefits stolen after that date, including Merchant’s, are ineligible for replacement unless the state establishes its own replacement program. Texas hasn’t.
“It sounds like you’re not getting that money back,” KPRC 2 reporter Gage Goulding informed her.
“Nope. And that’s wrong, and that’s why there’s so much fraud — no one’s doing anything about it,” Merchant said.
Merchant has since cancelled her old card and ordered a new one, as recommended by Texas Health and Human Services. But this does not address the larger issue: how to feed her children with almost no money for the month.
How to protect your SNAP benefits — and what to do if you’re scammed
SNAP provides monthly food assistance to low-income families. In Texas, funds are loaded onto a Lone Star Card, which functions as a debit card in grocery stores.
According to Texas Health and Human Services, households can receive between $300 and $2,000 per month, depending on their income and family size.
However, as electronic theft has increased, safeguarding those benefits has become a major concern.
Here are some tips from SNAP on how to protect your account and what to do if you are targeted.
Never share your PIN
Never give your PIN to state officials, store clerks, friends, or anyone outside your household. Only share your PIN with trusted adults in your household.
Be wary at checkout.
Check card readers for loose parts or hidden devices, which are frequently used for phishing — gently tug to see if anything moves. If you see wires or if the card reader moves or falls apart, do not use your card. When entering your PIN, use your hand or body to prevent others from seeing it.
Change your PIN each month
Set a reminder to change your PIN every month. The USDA recommends changing it the day before your benefits are scheduled to be deposited. That way, if phishers obtain your current PIN, they will be unable to access the funds.
Report fraud immediately
If your card has been compromised, contact your local SNAP office immediately. Cancel the card and request another one. States can use their own funds to replace stolen benefits, so check with your local authorities before assuming they will not be replaced. Even if benefits cannot be reimbursed, reporting the incident allows officials to monitor skimming trends and locations.
How to access food if your benefits are stolen
Begin by contacting your local food bank, which may provide emergency supplies or prepared meals. Community organizations, churches, and mutual aid groups can also offer short-term assistance.
If you’re on social media, look for “Buy Nothing,” “Food Not Bombs,” or other neighborhood support groups that frequently share food and supplies. These steps will not replace the stolen funds, but they can help you get through a difficult period while you consider your options.
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