Over the past two years, nearly $21 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have been stolen from families across Illinois.
According to data from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the fraud was carried out through sophisticated scams that targeted Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards—leaving low-income households without access to the food assistance they rely on to survive.
Victims like one Chicago mother have come forward, saying she had just received her monthly benefits when she discovered her EBT card balance had dropped to zero. “I am not the only victim,” she said. “There are thousands of us, and we’re all being left in the dark.” Her story reflects the growing crisis impacting vulnerable communities throughout the state.
How the EBT Fraud is Carried Out
The fraud is primarily executed using skimming devices and hidden cameras. These tools are illegally placed on credit card terminals in stores where SNAP benefits are commonly used. Skimmers capture the card’s magnetic strip data, while cameras record users entering their PINs.
Scammers then use this information to create cloned cards and drain the funds—often in states far from where the original benefits were issued.
In many cases, cardholders don’t realize their accounts have been compromised until they attempt to make a purchase and find their balance has vanished.
According to IDHS, this type of theft has become increasingly common across the U.S., but Illinois has been especially hard hit. More than 13,000 theft claims have been filed statewide since 2022, impacting households that rely on these benefits to feed their families.
Federal Policy Creates Barriers to Reimbursement
One of the most frustrating parts of the fraud for victims is the lack of immediate support. SNAP is a federally funded program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which historically did not reimburse recipients for fraud-related losses.
While a 2023 federal policy shift now allows states to offer reimbursements for stolen benefits, many families are still waiting for relief.
Illinois is working on implementing a reimbursement process, but it has not yet been finalized. As a result, victims like the Chicago mother have been forced to turn to food pantries and local charities to get through the month.
“We’ve had more people coming in than ever before,” said a representative from a local food pantry. “People are walking in saying their benefits were stolen and they don’t know where else to turn.”
What Victims Should Do If Their EBT Benefits Are Stolen
The Illinois Department of Human Services urges residents to take several steps if they suspect their SNAP benefits have been stolen:
- Report the theft immediately by calling the IDHS helpline or visiting a local office.
- Request a replacement EBT card and change your PIN to prevent further fraud.
- Check your account activity regularly through the EBT Edge website or mobile app.
- Inspect card readers at checkout for any signs of tampering before swiping.
Officials also recommend shielding your hand when entering your PIN and avoiding older card terminals that appear damaged or suspicious.
Unfortunately, due to the lack of an automated reimbursement system, victims may not receive compensation until the new state process is launched.
Advocates Call for Faster Action and Stronger Protections
Anti-poverty advocates and legal aid organizations are calling on both state and federal leaders to take urgent action. They argue that families who depend on SNAP should not be punished for security lapses beyond their control.
“These are low-income households, seniors, and disabled individuals who rely on these benefits for basic nutrition,” said a representative from the Greater Chicago Food Depository. “To lose that support due to fraud and then be told there’s nothing the state can do yet—that’s unacceptable.”
Advocates are pushing for:
- Faster implementation of benefit replacement procedures
- Enhanced fraud detection tools
- Stricter monitoring of retailers where skimming has occurred
- Public awareness campaigns to educate EBT users
Meanwhile, as crime rings continue to exploit weaknesses in the system, Illinois families are bracing for what could be another difficult year without the certainty of their SNAP benefits.
The Bigger Picture
The EBT fraud crisis in Illinois is part of a broader national trend. States across the country have reported rising numbers of theft cases, with similar complaints in California, New York, and Texas.
The USDA has acknowledged the issue and says it is working to modernize security features, including adding chip-enabled EBT cards and bolstering fraud monitoring software.
However, those efforts may take years to fully implement. In the meantime, Illinois residents like the Chicago mother mentioned earlier are left to pick up the pieces, often with no food and few options.
“I’ve worked hard, I’ve done everything right,” she said. “And in just a second, everything was gone.”
For full coverage and official updates, visit CBS News Chicago.
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