TULSA, Okla. — Oklahoma Human Services, familiarly known as the Department of Human Services (DHS), typically gets 200 skimming or fraud complaints a month.
In October alone, the agency received 10,000 complaints of SNAP card recipients having their debit cards depleted.
Sand Springs Community Services is a food pantry that serves several hundred residents monthly. In October, the requests for help went up 46%, which they believe is due to the number of people scammed.
“It’s running staff more ragged in response to the need,” said Executive Director Nathan Woodmansee, who is also the organization’s only full-time employee.
Woodmansee said he heard endless complaints about hacked cards. One woman had to leave a cart of food behind at the grocery store checkout.
“They told us they had no choice but to leave everything and come here,” he said.
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DHS Special Agent in Charge Michael Adams told 2 News this skimming scam has been a problem since 2022 but ramped up in October.
“Perpetrators are part of an international crime ring traveling the country, placing these skimmers on various gas stations and grocery stores,” he said.
The skimmers collect data for criminals to create a clone card with the stolen money on it. Recently, investigators recovered several devices in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Enid, and Blanchard.
“We are continuously using tools like facial recognition and running down leads,” said Adams. “It’s a constant battle as this group moves from one state to the next.”
Chip cards will be available to Oklahomans next summer through a pilot program. In the meantime, authorities recommend recipients change the PIN on the card and check the account often.
Recipients are also encouraged to download the “Connect EBT” app. This app allows cardholders to lock the card when not in use, keeping scammers from accessing money. Here is a step-by-step process for doingthat.
Woodmansee said many of his clients had trouble getting reimbursed. DHS said receiving the reimbursement could take 21 days or longer because there is now a backlog of complaints.
SNAP recipients who have lost benefits due to theft can apply for stolen benefit replacement through Dec. 20, 2024. Claims can be submitted by calling 405-522-5050, made in person at a Human Services Center, or by mailing Oklahoma Human Services, SNAP, PO Box 25352, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.
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