State officials confirmed hundreds of SNAP beneficiaries in the Sioux Falls area had their benefits stolen in a card skimming scheme.
A statement from the Department of Social Services said more than 350 people were affected.
Investigators say a skimming device was placed at the Walmart at East Arrowhead Parkway on the east side of the city. Similar devices were placed at Dollar General stores around town.
These devices allowed scammers to gain access to individuals’ SNAP accounts and PIN numbers. Transactions were then processed out-of-state using the stolen information.
Sioux Falls police officials say the department received dozens of reports from people who were defrauded.
“The circumstances in these cases all seemed to be similar," Sgt. Aaron Benson said. "People went to go use their EBT cards and found out there was no balance on the cards, or found out there were insufficient funds for a transaction to take place."
SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal program that provides monthly benefits to low-incomes families and individuals to purchase food. The most common way beneficiaries use these funds is through EBT cards — essentially a debit card linked to their SNAP accounts.
SDPB reported on Monday that the DSS was investigating "irregularities" in SNAP accounts. Officials confirmed the thefts Tuesday.
The DSS is urging SNAP users to change their pin numbers and monitor their accounts. The EBT card vendor is also working with local retailers to check terminals to make sure skimming devices have not been added.
Department officials say anyone who had their benefits stolen should report the theft to law enforcement. More information is available at the DSS website.
