Stop SNAP Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

What is SNAP fraud?

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SNAP fraud is the intentional misuse of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by recipients, retailers, or scammers and it is illegal.

Benefit fraud has significant negative effects. It diverts funds from those who need them, increases costs for taxpayers and honest citizens, creates financial strain in government programs, and may lead to criminal charges.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers the program through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), SNAP fraud is estimated to cost the federal government as much as $12 billion annually in lost benefits.

If you see something, say something! See SNAP fraud, report SNAP fraud. 

What are the consequences of SNAP fraud?

  • Recipients who commit SNAP fraud or abuse can be disqualified from the program and face potential criminal charges, fines, or imprisonment. Recipients are responsible to pay back benefits that were overissued or trafficked.  
  • Retailers who commit SNAP fraud or abuse are subject to investigations and face permanent disqualification from the SNAP program.
  • Perpetrators who commit SNAP fraud or abuse are subject to investigations and prosecution by law enforcement which can lead to severe penalties.  

Report SNAP Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

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What are examples of SNAP fraud?

  • Trafficking is the illegal sale or exchange of SNAP benefits for cash or other goods.
  • Eligibility fraud occurs when individuals intentionally provide false information about their income, household members, or other eligibility factors to receive benefits they are not entitled to.
  • Retailer fraud occurs when a store or owner fraudulently becomes authorized to accept SNAP or participates in trafficking benefits with recipients.
  • External scams are fraudulent schemes by individuals or criminal organizations targeting SNAP recipients to steal benefits through methods like:
    • Skimming where a device is used to secretly copy EBT card and PIN information.
    • Phishing which uses fake emails, texts, or calls to trick recipients into revealing their account details.
  • Misuse of benefits occurs when recipients attempt to buy ineligible items (like alcohol or lottery tickets) with their benefits. 

What are the penalties for SNAP fraud?

  • First Offense

    First Offense 

    Penalty 

    Trafficking conviction of $499 or less 

    Ineligible to participate for 12 months 

    Trafficking conviction of $500+ 

    Permanent disqualification 

    Trafficking involving firearms, ammunition or explosives 

    Permanent disqualification 

    Trafficking involving a controlled substance 

    Ineligible to participate for 24 months 

    Duplicate participation 

    Ineligible to participate for 10 years 

  • Second Offense

    Second Offense 

    Penalty 

    Trafficking conviction of $499 or less 

    Ineligible to participate for 24 months 

    Trafficking involving a controlled substance 

    Permanent disqualification 

    Duplicate participation 

    Ineligible to participate for 10 years 

  • Third Offense

    3rd Offense 

    Penalty is Permanent Disqualification 

How can I protect my SNAP benefits from fraud? 

SNAP recipients can protect their benefits by managing and securing their EBT card. Here are tips to help: 

  • Lock your EBT card using the ConnectEBT app or website between purchases.
  • Protect your PIN. Do not write it down or share it with anyone. Don’t use simple PINs (i.e., repeating or sequential numbers) and change your PIN often, especially before your issuance date.
  • Never share your EBT card number with anyone.
  • Check your purchase history regularly for any unusual transactions.
  • Beware of phishing. State agencies and EBT processors will never call or text you to ask for your PIN or card number. 

How do I report SNAP fraud or abuse? 

Can I make a report anonymously?

Yes, anonymous reports are accepted.