SNAP recipients targeted as EBT fraud spikes across Oklahoma

Oklahoma Human Services is sounding the alarm on a surge in fraud targeting SNAP benefits, as criminals increasingly find ways to steal funds from EBT cards.

Since late 2022, state officials have tracked a sharp rise in organized scams, prompting urgent guidance for benefit recipients.

Here’s what officials say is happening — and what you can do to protect yourself.

Scammers are using card skimmers and cloned terminals

Michael Adams with Oklahoma Human Services said fraudsters have been using card skimmers and cloning methods to access Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. While these cards are intended for eligible food purchases only, scammers have found ways around the restrictions.

“They’re cloning these terminals or spoofing these terminals,” Adams said. “They’re able to bypass all of that, and the money goes straight into their account.”

The fraud began surfacing in 2022, but Adams said it has grown significantly since September 2024.

Tens of thousands impacted since fall

Though the state doesn’t have a precise number of victims, about 25,000 people applied for federal reimbursement between September and the end of last year.

Many of the crimes don’t appear to originate locally. According to Adams, these scams are typically carried out by large-scale, organized groups that travel from state to state.

“The crimes that are occurring in Oklahoma — they’re stealing this data outside of Oklahoma,” he said. “It’s organized crime.”

Federal coordination is key to tracking suspects

Because interstate crime rings often conduct these scams, Adams said Oklahoma Human Services is working closely with federal agencies to investigate.

He emphasized that this type of collaboration is critical, given that scammers can place skimming devices and disappear before local authorities even know a theft occurred.

How to protect your EBT card

Officials say there are simple ways for SNAP recipients to reduce the risk of fraud:

1. Use the Connect EBT app to lock your card between purchases.
2. Check your balance regularly for suspicious transactions.
3. Report any unauthorized charges immediately.