View as a webpage  /  Share     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 6, 2024 MEDIA CONTACTS: Tom Betti: 614-728-9645  [email protected]    Bill Teets: 614-403-2331  [email protected]   SNAP fraud on the rise; recipients urged to protect their accounts  COLUMBUS, OHIO – Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt Damschroder reminds Ohioans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to be extra cautious following ongoing warnings by officials with the U.S. Food and Nutrition Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), indicating that criminals are targeting SNAP benefit recipients in every state. “ODJFS takes fraud very seriously, and we are committed to identifying and eliminating fraud in the SNAP program,” Damschroder said. “From increased fraud monitoring efforts to helping SNAP cardholders lock their cards, we’re aggressively working to reduce fraud.” Criminals have increasingly used a process called “skimming” to steal EBT card numbers. This is when a fraudulent device is placed over a point-of-sale card reader to steal payment card information. When a recipient swipes their card over a compromised device, they are unsuspectingly sharing their card information with criminals. Tips to avoid skimmer devices: Do not use the card reader if you notice anything unusual. Pull at the edges of the keypad before swiping your EBT card to ensure there is nothing over the reader. Notify store staff if you notice anything suspicious with the card reader. For more information about how Ohioans can protect their accounts, visit jfs.ohio.gov/cash-food-and-refugee-assistance/Protect+Against+Fraud. For more information about skimming, see this article from the FBI. Individuals who have had their SNAP benefits stolen electronically can seek reimbursement by contacting their County Department of Job and Family Services. From October 1, 2022, to August 2, 2024, ODJFS issued more than $4.2 million in reimbursements to approximately 8,517 Ohioans. The best way to keep from being a victim is to be vigilant. Here are some tips for SNAP recipients: Manage your benefits through the secure ConnectEBT app on your mobile phone or tablet.  Users should take advantage of the card lock option, which allows the individual to lock the card from being used at a retailer location and unlock the card to provide access to benefits only while the individual is making a purchase. Users are able to block out-of-state transactions in-person only. Create a PIN for your card that is unique and difficult to guess. Change your PIN monthly, before each scheduled deposit. Never share your card number or PIN. ODJFS will never ask for these numbers. Carefully examine point-of-sale card readers before using them to check for skimming devices. When using your card, cover the keypad with your body or hand to stop others from seeing your PIN. -30-   The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services manages vital programs that strengthen Ohio families.  These include job training and employment services, unemployment insurance, cash and food assistance, adult protective services, and child support services.

Mission

Family & Workforce Development offers assistance with finding employment as well as helping eligible individuals with Medicaid, food stamps, cash assistance, and child care needs. Needs that we are unable to fulfill within the Family & Workforce Development Unit are referred to other available community resources. It is the goal of the Family and Workforce Department to help each family attain family stability. 

Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)

The Food Assistance Program - formerly called food stamps and known nationally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - helps eligible low-income Ohioans stretch their food budgets and buy healthy food.

You may qualify for benefits if your household's gross monthly income is at or under 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. These guidelines change yearly; you can find the current figures at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/index.cfm

You can find information about applying for SNAP benefits at the following websites:

Ohio Benefits online applications

USDA Prohibits Discrimination

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or political beliefs. For more information or to file a complaint of discrimination: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome or write to:

USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights
Room 326-W, Whitten Building
14th and Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD).

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Health Care Coverage

Free or low cost health care coverage for your children or for your entire family is available for those who qualify through the Healthy Start / Healthy Families Program.

Medicaid for the aged, blind, disabled, pregnant women, children and families is available for eligible individuals. 

In addition, help can be extended in paying the cost of nursing home care and child care expenses. 

Applications are available upon request so determination of eligibility can be explored. 

Fraud Unit

OhioMeansJobs - Erie County

Available Programs

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program is able to assist customers to obtain employment by helping with funding training to obtain a marketable skill for an in-demand occupation.  Occupations include:  Heavy Tractor-Trailor Truck Drivers, Licensed Practical Nurse, Medical Assistant, Business Office Specialist and more.  If you are determined eligible and appropriate for this program, funding will include:  tuition, books, fees, supplies, and uniforms.

The Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) program is able to assist eligible customers with short-term training under $1,500, uniforms and supplies for training or employment, transportation, and/or rent assistance.

Comprehensive Case Management & Employment Program (CCMEP) is a program targeted at customers aged 14 - 24 whom have a barrier and need additional assistance in becoming self-sufficient.  

Ohio Works First (OWF) is cash assistance for eligible clients.  This program requires a work component and cooperation with child support.  

Publically Funded Daycare is available to assist eligible clients with daycare costs for a qualifying activity.  The initial income guideline is the 130% federal poverty level.