A card skimming scheme stole thousands from needy families in South Dakota utilizing SNAP benefits. Further complicating matters, decisions in D.C. have removed a primary recourse for victims, leaving many unsure how to feed their families.
The money was stolen from multiple locations across Sioux Falls, and an estimated 350 families have lost part, or all, their monthly food benefits a result.
The Department of Social Services declined to comment for this story and has instead issued reminders for SNAP benefit users to protect themselves from scam attempts.
Namely, frequent PIN changes, reviewing transactions, and using the SNAP ebtEDGE app. On that app, users can block out of state transactions, get alerts, and freeze their card.
The DSS also encourages theft victims to report the issue to law enforcement.
While many SNAP users are left high and dry, there was once an opportunity for recourse. The 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act wrote in provisions specifically for card skimming, cloning and other methods used to commit fraud.
However, the 2025 American Relief Act, signed by President Biden in the waning days of his presidency, put the program on a sunset and as of Dec. 21 of 2024, no such protections exist for SNAP beneficiaries.
The DSS is also asking both retailers and consumers to be aware of the risk of card skimmers.
Frequently, card skimmers are attached to the slots of a point-of-sale system at a gas pump, ATM or checkout line. They are designed to fit flush with that machine, and a small chip on the inside gathers data or ‘skims’ the information from that card.
Checking for a card skimmer can be as simple noticing mismatched parts, bulky or loose card reading slots and covers, or broken security seals. Often, a pull can take a card skimmer off the unit without damaging the POS system underneath.