ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Georgians who receive food stamps or SNAP benefits every month are being impacted by hackers who are using those benefits before the recipient.

SNAP fraud victim, Kevin Walton, said he’s lost thousands and because the federal government is no longer reimbursing stolen benefits he’s forced to wait around and see if the hackers strike again.

“Before my card even gets to me in the mail or we open my mail, the balance is already gone,” Walton said.

Thieves have stolen Kevin Walton’s benefits using them in various food markets in states like New York and Michigan. Walton said he’s changed his PIN and replaced multiple cards, but the scammers are always two steps ahead.

“They activate my card before I get it. They know my pin number, they know when my funds hit, so I can’t say it’s not in-house,” Walton said.

PIN Those benefits were reimbursed before December 20th of last year. The USDA says SNAP benefits stolen on or after Dec. 21, 2024, are not eligible for replacement using federal funds.

“I don’t want to say they are not trying to help. I don’t want to be unfair, but I feel like they don’t care,” said Walton. “That’s just how I feel.”

Georgia’s Department of Human Services (DHS) created a mobile app that allows recipients to lock their accounts when they are not using the card. The U.S. Department of Agriculture advises SNAP recipients to Avoid simple PINs, check your EBT account regularly, and if all else fails contact your local Snap office if you think you’ve been the victim of fraud.

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