CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – According to the Federal Food and Nutrition Service, Ohio is among several states being targeted by criminals stealing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This is known as skimming. In skimming, criminals use a device placed over a point-of-sale card reader that steals information from payment cards like the SNAP Ohio Direction and Ohio Works First (OWF) Ohio Pathway cards. This means SNAP or cash assistance benefits could be stolen without a customer knowing. Unfortunately, Cuyahoga County now has confirmed cases of this fraud. 

The Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services (CCDHHS), Department of Investigations and the Fraud Control Section at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) are working together to investigate these claims. ODJFS reports they are also working with federal investigators as this scheme appears to be spread across multiple states involving a federally funded program.

SNAP recipients should check their accounts for any irregularities, change their PIN, and look at any card reader before using it to check for possible skimming devices.

The ODJFS is taking a proactive approach to address public assistance fraud and is sending customers “Tips for keeping your SNAP EBT and Cash cards safe” to increase awareness among customers on card skimming. These messages include ways customers can report fraud, tips to keep their cards safe, and some things to look out for.

CCDHHS is working with community partners to make sure none of the confirmed victims of fraud go without food over the holiday.

If a customer believes their benefits have been stolen, please notify the CCDHHS Department of Investigations and file a theft report with the local law enforcement agency. Below are the different ways you can report public benefit fraud:

• Complete and submit the online Public Assistance Fraud Form
• Call the CCDHHS Fraud Hotline at (216) 987- 6950