Georgia Tackles SNAP Benefit Fraud: How To Recover Stolen Food Assistance

Fraudsters have been systematically targeting food assistance recipients through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card schemes, with card skimming and cloning attacks costing American taxpayers as much as $4.7 billion annually—a crisis the U.S. Government Accountability Office has termed a “criminal epidemic.” Now, Georgia is offering relief to those who have fallen victim to these schemes by authorizing replacement of compromised SNAP benefits.

The Growing Problem of EBT Card Fraud

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, distributed through EBT cards rather than traditional paper food stamps, have become increasingly vulnerable to fraud. These digital payment cards make it easy for criminals to harvest account information and drain funds meant for qualifying families. Without swift intervention, vulnerable populations lose access to essential nutrition assistance with little recourse.

The Georgia Department of Human Services’ Division of Family & Children Services received federal authorization to replace benefits that were stolen through fraudulent EBT card activity. The agency recognizes the urgency of supporting those affected.

How To Request Your Stolen Benefits Back

Recipients who believe their SNAP benefits have been compromised should take immediate action. The first step is to request a replacement EBT card and PIN by calling 1-888-421-3281. This number connects you directly to Georgia’s SNAP support team.

To formally request replacement of stolen benefits, you’ll need to complete a Request for Replacement of Stolen Benefits form. You can download it online or visit your local Division of Family & Children Services office to request a printed copy. If you lack printing access or transportation to an office, call 877-423-4746 or your local DFCS office—they’ll mail or email the form directly to you.

Once completed, submit your signed affidavit through one of these methods:

• Upload on the DFCS website
• Drop off at your local DFCS office
• Mail to your local DFCS office (find locations at dfcs.georgia.gov/locations)

Protecting Your Benefits: Essential Security Practices

Georgia’s DHS Commissioner emphasized that while recovery is now possible, prevention remains critical. Recipients should shield their PIN pad when entering codes, change PIN numbers frequently, and regularly monitor EBT account activity for unauthorized transactions. These simple practices significantly reduce vulnerability to fraud.

Key Requirements and Deadlines

For those seeking reimbursement, specific eligibility rules apply:

• Stolen benefits must have occurred between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2024
• Households can receive up to two replacement issuances per federal fiscal year
• The theft must be reported to Georgia DHS within 30 days of discovery
• Requests must come from the head of household, an authorized adult member, or a designated representative

The replacement request window closed on September 30, 2024, for ongoing claims, though anyone who reported fraud before October 18, 2023, had until November 18, 2023, to submit replacement requests during that initial authorization period.

If you’ve been victimized by EBT fraud, contact 1-888-421-3281 today to begin the recovery process and protect your household’s food security.