More SNAP benefits stolen; DHS reminds users to lock cards
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — It's a story News 4 has reported on multiple times: stolen SNAP benefits. A metro woman is now speaking out after her benefits were stolen twice in the last two months.
Tammy Dunn gets her benefits at the beginning of the month. This month, she used her card in the morning at a store, then tried to use it again that night, only to find her card had been wiped clean.
The Department of Human Services told her to download 'Connect EBT', link her card, and lock it.
However, after Dunn filled out her information, a notification popped up on the app that said it's unable to authenticate her card.
"I have no family in Oklahoma City at all. It's just me and my four-year-old daughter fending for ourselves," said Tammy Dunn, who had her food stamps stolen.
Dunn said it's frustrating and she doesn't know how to get food on the table for her family.
"It's really hard for single families, and especially when they tell you that they won't replace the food stamps, and they won't give them back. I've been calling agencies...there are no churches...there's nowhere I could get assistance from," said Dunn.
News 4 ran a story in January reminding SNAP users about locking and unlocking their cards. In the last four months, DHS said 'Connect EBT' has stopped funds from getting stolen off thousands of cards.
"Those transactions were over 30,000 of them for $12 million. So it's a huge success when it's utilized," said Michael Adams, the special agent in charge at the OKDHS office of the Inspector General.
News 4 asked about Dunn's case and why the app won't connect her card. DHS said users, like Dunn, will have to take that up with the app's technical team.
As it becomes easier for SNAP benefits to be stolen, DHS is sending a reminder.
"Whenever they're ready to make a transaction, they can unlock it, swipe the card and lock it again. As long as that card is locked, even if the bad guys have that card data, they can't steal the benefits because the card is locked," said Adams.
DHs said the federal government stopped reimbursing for stolen benefits in December of 2024.
To combat any 'Connect EBT' app issues, DHS said," The app belongs to our EBT vendor Conduent. Anyone with technical issues can call the number on the back of their card for support."
If you are impacted by stolen benefits, fill out this form. DHS said it's not a link for replacement benefits, but it helps law enforcement investigate fraudulent activity.