Augusta, GA

Skimmers stealing benefits from Ga., S.C. SNAP recipients

Published

2 months ago

October 23, 2024

Skimmers stealing benefits from Ga., S.C. SNAP recipients

AUGUSTA, Ga. – SNAP benefits are being wiped clean from some accounts and those who rely on the food stamp program say they’re not getting their payments — putting their livelihoods at risk.

The Georgia Department of Human Services said it has been dealing with thousands of reports of stolen EBT card funds dating back to 2023.

DHS officials said the department has spent $3 million in replacement food stamp benefits for those affected. The department said fraud is believed to be tied to skimming, or cloning and theft of EBT cards.

Susan Peek was supposed to get her SNAP benefits on Oct. 17.

“I depend on my food stamps to feed my family,” Peek said.

Peek said she believes there’s more to the issue.

“They’re saying that it’s skimmers, that when we go to the store, the skimmers are taking them. No, they’re never making it to our card. So it’s not coming when we use the cards out in public,” she said.

It’s also a problem across the Savannah River in South Carolina.

The South Carolina Department of Social Services sent out an advisory this week urging the 277,000 households receiving SNAP benefits to take these steps:

Use Connect EBT on your mobile device. When using an app to access your benefits on a mobile device, be sure to use the official app for South Carolina DSS SNAP customers, which is Connect EBT. Unofficial apps are prevalent on app stores for both Apple and Android products. The South Carolina EBT cardholder portal can be accessed at https://www.connectebt.com.
Spot card skimmers. Before you swipe your EBT — or any — card, pay attention to the card reader. Is it loose, off-center, or do parts of it wiggle? Then don’t put your card there. Report it to the store manager and consider shopping elsewhere.
Change your PIN often. Do it at least once a month, right before you get your next benefits.
Watch for phishing. State agencies and EBT processors will never call or text you to ask for your PIN or card number. Anyone who does is a scammer.
Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges. If you see any, change your PIN right away to stop the thief from making new purchases — and contact your local SNAP office.

South Carolina SNAP clients who believe their benefits were electronically stolen should immediately report the loss to local law enforcement, and recipients should call the 24-hour toll-free customer service line at 800-554-5268 to cancel their EBT card and protect their benefits.

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Related Topics:covid-19 benefits Featured Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

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Augusta, GA

Dolphins WRs Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill ailing for 49ers’ clash

Published

4 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Press Room

Dolphins WRs Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill ailing for 49ers’ clash | Nfl | wfxg.com

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Augusta, GA

Community foundation enters new phase of disaster grant process

Published

12 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Press Room

Community foundation enters new phase of disaster grant process

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Community Foundation for the CSRA is pleased says it’s entering a new phase of its Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund granting process.

Since the storm’s aftermath, the Foundation has granted $2,803,500 to nonprofits that have worked on the front lines providing critical services and administering aid.

This phase of granting will continue to fund in 20 counties, in both Georgia and South Carolina, that were impacted by Hurricane Helene.

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The foundation will expand its granting parameters to include not just 501(c)3 nonprofits, but also churches, civic organizations, and schools who have been or will be providing direct services to Helene impacted individuals.

Shell Berry, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for the central Savannah River Area, said:

The foundation has developed five grant categories: Relief Reimbursement, Lost Revenue, Increased Operating Costs, Infrastructure Needs for Public Lands, and Long-term Recovery Programming. These categories aim to provide comprehensive support for affected communities and organizations.

The foundation has also recruited a volunteer grant panel that is made up of individuals who represent many of the counties we fund.

Working with the staff of the foundation, this volunteer panel will ensure that funding decisions reflect the needs and perspective of the communities we serve.

Their insights will be invaluable in evaluating applications and making final funding decisions.

For more information about this new granting process, please visit the Community Foundation’s website, ww.cfcsra.org. To contribute to the Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund, visit www.cfcsra.org.

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Augusta, GA

Time is running out to donate to the Red Kettle Campaign

Published

19 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Press Room

Time is running out to donate to the Red Kettle Campaign

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army is seeking the community’s help in reaching its $235,000 goal for this year’s Red Kettle Campaign.

With just a few days left of bell ringing, the Salvation Army of Augusta is $50,000 short of its goal.

The Salvation Army says the final days are crucial to closing the gap.

Funds raised through the campaign are essential to supporting programs that serve the community year-round, including the Center of Hope. An average of 80 individuals find shelter nightly and 200 meals are served daily at the Center of Hope.

“The Red Kettle Campaign is vital to our ability to help those in need throughout the year,” said Area Commander of the Salvation Army of Augusta Jonathan Raymer.

The Salvation Army urges everyone to stop by a red kettle location or donate online. Every contribution fuels the organization’s ability to provide shelter, meals, and hope to individuals and families in need.

“We are calling on our community to help us bridge the gap in these final days. Together, we can make a difference for those who rely on our services,” said Raymer.

Red Kettles can be found at Bass Pro, Belk, Food Lion, Hobby Lobby, Kroger, Sam’s Club and Walmart locations in Augusta, Evans, Grovetown, Hephzibah, North Augusta, Thomson and Waynesboro.

Donations can also be made online at donateaugusta.com.

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