Oklahoma
Oklahoma's Own In Focus: Hackers Targeting SNAP Benefits, Leaving Families in Financial Bind. Here's How To Protect Your Info
SNAP benefits, the state-issued funds that help families buy groceries, are being hacked at an alarming rate, leaving recipients without essential funds just weeks before the holidays.
News On 6’s Lori Fulbright said the theft is not just happening in Oklahoma but across the United States.
“SNAP benefits, that’s the state money that people get. It’s put on a card so they can go buy groceries for their families. But hackers are stealing that money, and so when people go into the store all of a sudden, they realize it’s empty,” Fulbright said.
Security Measures to Protect SNAP Funds
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) is urging SNAP recipients to take steps to secure their accounts and prevent further theft.
- “They have an app. You can go to that app, lock your card when you’re not using it, unlock it when you need to use it again to protect your money,” Fulbright explained.
DHS is also advising SNAP users to create more complex passwords to make it harder for hackers to steal their information.
- “And they’re also saying people’s passwords are too simple easy for hackers to steal, so they’re encouraging people to do lot harder passwords,” Fulbright said.
Significant Consequences for Families and Taxpayers
The SNAP benefits theft is not only causing distress for families who rely on the funds, but it’s also costing taxpayers millions of dollars as the state works to refill the stolen cards.
- “It’s kind of the same advice all of us should be using for our credit cards, but these SNAP benefits is happening all over the US, but especially in Oklahoma, and it’s really creating a bind for these families,” Fulbright said.
With the holidays approaching, the timing of the theft is particularly devastating for those affected.
- “And here we are two weeks before Christmas, and some of them are saying they went in to swipe it. There’s no money on it,” Fulbright added.
The issue highlights the need for stronger security measures to protect government-issued funds and support the families who rely on them.
Impacting Families Before Christmas
Tulsa Mom Says Stolen SNAP Benefits Threaten Her Family’s Christmas
A Tulsa mother says stolen SNAP benefits have left her struggling to provide for her two daughters, casting uncertainty over their holiday celebrations.
Jessica Shaw, a single mom with two girls ages six and 11, says she relies on SNAP for 80% of her monthly groceries. Her troubles began when her benefits card was declined during a trip to buy snacks.
“I went to pay, and it said declined. And I’m like, what?” Shaw said. “I called, and it said zero balance on the benefit day that I’m supposed to receive them. So I was like, what the heck is going on?”
Shaw says she was devastated to learn her benefits had been stolen. When she visited the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to report the theft, she encountered others in the same situation.
“She’s like, ‘Well, they got you too.’ And I’m like, ‘They who?’ And she’s like, ‘They stole your SNAP benefit.’” Shaw recalled.
The theft has left Shaw worried she won’t be able to celebrate Christmas with her daughters.
“So I won’t be able to afford Christmas dinner. I won’t be able to afford a Christmas ham. I won’t be able to really support my kids in their homeschooling the way that they need,” Shaw said.
DHS reports a dramatic rise in stolen SNAP benefits in recent months and says it takes around 10 days to restore funds. Shaw hopes the issue is resolved in time to give her daughters a holiday celebration.
FROM 10/8/2024: Oklahoma Mom Among Thousands Whose SNAP Benefits Have Been Stolen
Other Ways To Prevent Fraud and Protect Your Information
Here are some fraud prevention tips recommended by the Department of Human Services (DHS):
Choose a Strong PIN
- Avoid easy-to-guess PINs like “1234” or your birth year.
- Create a unique combination that only you can remember.
Keep Your Information Private
- Never share your PIN or card details with anyone.
Inspect for Skimming Devices
- Before swiping your card, check for skimming devices at ATMs or card readers.
- If something looks suspicious or tampered with, avoid using it.
Use Card Lock Features
- Download your card provider’s app to manage your account securely.
- Lock your card before and after every use to prevent unauthorized transactions.
Amy Roberts of DHS explains the benefits of card management apps:
“There are so many benefits—you can check the balance, see transactions immediately, and lock your card, which is really, really important. When you lock that card, none of the transactions can go through.”
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is competing once again in the American Association of State Troopers’ Best Looking Cruiser Contest, this time showcasing the agency’s history alongside its modern fleet.
The entry features OHP’s restored 1937 Ford patrol car paired with a current Chevrolet Tahoe, highlighting nearly nine decades of the agency’s patrol vehicle tradition.
OHP highlights historic patrol car
According to OHP, the contest entry celebrates the agency’s original 1937 Ford patrol car and its connection to the modern Chevrolet Tahoe used by troopers today.
The agency says the iconic black-and-white “dovetail” paint scheme debuted on the 1937 Ford, with the white paint wrapping over the rear wheel wells. OHP says that design became the foundation for the look that continues to represent the agency today.
How voting works
The Best Looking Cruiser Contest is decided by public vote here.
OHP says each device is allowed one vote, and every vote is important as the agency competes against perennial favorites for a chance to earn a spot in the 2027 American Association of State Troopers calendar.
Looking to improve on last year
Oklahoma finished eighth in the nation in last year’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest.
The agency is hoping this year’s entry featuring both its historic 1937 Ford and modern Chevrolet Tahoe will help improve its finish and secure a place in the 2027 calendar.
“As Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday, we wanted to honor the most iconic highway in America and the Oklahoma Troopers who have patrolled it for generations,” OHP said. “Since 1937, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers have traveled its pavement, assisted stranded motorists, investigated crashes, enforced traffic laws, and answered calls for service along the Mother Road. Route 66 isn’t just a historic highway to us—it’s part of our history.”
In this week’s Your Vote Counts, Oklahoma’s Own Scott Mitchell leads Jason Dunnington and Sen. Paul Rosino in a discussion about new Oklahoma laws, including those addressing data centers. Other topics include inflation and the ongoing impact of the war in Iran.
Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Independence Day in Oklahoma this year? From massive fireworks displays over Grand Lake to food truck festivals and live music across the OKC metro, communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Grab your lawn chairs, round up the family, and get ready for an unforgettable week of summer fun. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Fourth of July events happening right in your backyard!
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Oklahoma communities are going all out for Independence Day in 2026, with celebrations spanning from Norman’s four-day Fourth Fest to major fireworks displays in Edmond, Tulsa, and on Grand Lake — giving families across the state plenty of options close to home.
- More details: Highlights include Liberty Fest in Edmond, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, the Duck Creek Fireworks on Grand Lake featuring a War Bird flyover tribute synchronized to patriotic music, and Tribute to Liberty in Midwest City, which combines live music, a laser show, and fireworks in honor of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
- Why this matters: This year’s celebrations carry extra weight as part of America’s semiquincentennial, with several events — including Tribute to Liberty and the Duck Creek Fireworks — built around honoring both the nation’s founding and the service members who’ve defended it.
- Date: 9:45 p.m. July 1-4
- Location: Reaves Park; 2501 S Jenkins Ave., Norman
This year’s Fourth Fest is bigger than ever before, spanning four days. The city has added additional programming across multiple parks. Before the fireworks, enjoy a wide range of attractions including bouncy houses, local vendors, food trucks, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.
- Date: 8:30 p.m. July 3
- Location: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City
OKCPHIL’s Red, White, and Boom concert is a high-energy celebration that brings the community together for an unforgettable summer evening of music. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic performs a vibrant program of American classics, fan favorites, and patriotic anthems.
- Date: 6-10 p.m. July 3
- Location: Boomer Lake Park; 2310 E Lakeview Road, Stillwater
This Independence Day celebration will include area vendors, food trucks, hometown hospitality, and a fireworks show. Free parking will be available at Stillwater High School’s Pioneer Stadium.
- Date: July 3-4
- Location: Yukon City Park & Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon
Bring the whole family to Freedom Fest in Yukon! Experience a lineup of live outdoor concerts, peruse the food trucks on site, and enjoy the activities for kids.
- Date: 2-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th St., Moore
Enjoy one of the largest fireworks shows in the state with food trucks, vendors, and activities throughout the day. Admission is free. Fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.
- Date: 7-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave., Midwest City
Bring your chairs and join Midwest City in its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy food trucks, games, The Wise Guys performing live on stage, a huge fireworks display, and a laser show.
- Date: 9:30 p.m. July 4
- Location: University of Central Oklahoma; 100 N University Drive, Edmond
Liberty Fest’s grand finale is one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area. Bring your entire family to witness the spectacular show. Parking is available in lots on campus.
- Date: July 4
- Location: Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, 32888 S 4507 Road, No. 8123, Afton
Duck Creek Fireworks is the longest-running tradition on Grand Lake. Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated War Bird flyover, a tribute to the men and women serving overseas. The fireworks, beginning at sunset, will be synchronized to patriotic music.
- Date: July 4
- Location: River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., Tulsa
Celebrate America’s independence at Tulsa’s annual FreedomFest celebration. This celebration includes all-ages entertainment and a variety of activities and tasty concessions. FreedomFest features one of the largest free fireworks displays in Oklahoma.
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