SNAP recipient’s account was emptied after using EBT card at convenience store

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Money taken from an EBT card is now in the hands of a scammer.

Sylvester Payne went grocery shopping last week and discovered that $477 of his SNAP benefits had disappeared. The only store he used his EBT card at before ordering groceries was a convenience store. There, he bought snacks for his daughter at the register at 7:13 a.m. on Friday.

That got him thinking: Did someone tamper with the card reader on that cash register? Could this happen again to someone else?

At NewsChannel 5, we are committed to listening to your concerns, which is why we are looking into your situation.

After Payne’s card was declined at the grocery store, she discovered a fraudulent transaction on her statement. It involved a $477 charge at a grocery store in Chicago on Friday at 7:17 a.m.

“If I could get to Chicago that fast, I’d like to know how, because there’s magic there,” Sylvester Payne said.

Almost all of us have bought something at a convenience store. Could that purchase cost you all the money in your account?

I spoke to a police contact who told me that while it’s fairly new and blatant, law enforcement is seeing more cases of in-store skimmers using card readers.

“I knew about gas pumps and ATMs, but I had never heard of anything like swiping your card at a gas station,” Payne said.

In an unrelated case, Franklin police are currently actively searching for thieves suspected of placing skimmers on credit card readers at several area Kroger stores over the weekend.

The investigation in Franklin prompted Payne to email NewsChannel 5 about her situation.

“It can happen to anyone. That’s what I want to make clear to everyone. It’s not just credit or debit cards that are being manipulated, but also EBT cards,” he said.

According to the Tennessee Department of Human Services, thousands of Tennessee SNAP recipients have reported fraud this year. As of August 1, 8,716 fraud reports have been received. That’s more than double what was reported in all of 2023.

It’s worth noting that most EBT cards still have the magnetic stripe on the back.

Tennessee is apparently in the process of converting to a new EBT provider and is working on new fraud mitigation technologies that will help protect people in the program.

SNAP recipients who have experienced fraud may submit replacement SNAP applications within 30 days of the date the customer discovered the fraud occurred for reimbursement consideration. Customers can submit the application through the One DHS customer portal. Customers who are unable to access the online portal to submit an application can obtain a paper form at their local TDHS office.

To prevent card cloning and theft, experts say cashless people should opt to pay by card whenever possible.

She is in her 80s and legally blind. A Franklin woman continues to crochet for those in need

“Here’s a great story that proves everyone has something to give, regardless of age or personal challenges. Our Austin Pollack introduces us to Ms. Sylvia Mooney. At 80 years old, she doesn’t sit back and do nothing. Instead, she uses her skills to create compassion for others…one stitch at a time. Her crochet creations go to nonprofits to help our homeless neighbors. You’ll be amazed to know that she does it all while facing a serious health issue. Bravo, Sylvia!”

-Rhori Johnston