Story perspectives

Over $600M in SNAP Benefits Stolen, Vulnerable Households Affected

4/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

More than $600 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were stolen in 2025, affecting about one in five SNAP households.
The theft occurs through card skimming or phishing.
Victims report skipping meals or incurring debt due to lost funds.
Experts emphasize stronger protections, including chip-enabled EBT cards and real-time fraud monitoring.
The current system places the protection burden on beneficiaries, leaving them vulnerable to organized theft.

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Story summary

More than $600 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were stolen in 2025, affecting about one in five SNAP households.
The theft occurs through card skimming or phishing.
Victims report skipping meals or incurring debt due to lost funds.
Experts emphasize stronger protections, including chip-enabled EBT cards and real-time fraud monitoring.
The current system places the protection burden on beneficiaries, leaving them vulnerable to organized theft.