Maryland
Tighter security for SNAP benefits pursued as Maryland sees $26M in fraud
On Maryland’s path to becoming one of the country’s biggest targets for fraud aimed at benefits for lower-income residents, the problem looked, at first, like maybe it involved just a few thousand claims.
But the theft went largely unchecked, and the claims, paid off by taxpayers, kept rising.
By the time the state started a new reimbursement process in early 2023, what had been less than $1 million in benefits the state had to restore to victims of fraud quickly turned into $4.3 million over two years. One year later, the state has paid nearly $26 million for claims since the start of 2021 to 39,000 households that started out needing extra help putting food on the table, then fell victim to a system that advocates say is still sorely lacking in security.
“This theft is real. It’s nationwide. It is essential that Marylanders can meet their food needs,” said Michele Gilman, a law professor and director of the Saul Ewing Civil Advocacy Clinic at the University of Baltimore School of Law. “But the other angle of it is protecting the public. This money is flowing into the hands of criminals and we know there are technological ways to prevent that.”
Gilman and others are hopeful the state’s technology may soon catch up — and the bleeding, finally, will stop.
On Wednesday, the Maryland Board of Public Works is scheduled to vote on a new contract for the operator of the state’s electronic benefits transfer (EBT) system — the method in which 382,000 households access the Supplemental Nutrition Access Program (SNAP) and about 32,000 benefit from cash assistance.
Key to the new contract — according to state Department of Human Services officials who are pushing for it — are new requirements to implement chip technology in EBT cards. In Maryland and across the country, the debit-type cards still have just the traditional magnetic stripes. Those are vulnerable to “skimming,” in which a device is used to read and access a card’s data.
A 2023 state law required chips in all EBT cards issued in Maryland starting last year. But the rollout has been slow, leaving families vulnerable to seeing their essential assistance disappear. Though the state has improved its system and is now usually quick to reimburse stolen funds, it’s been extremely challenging for SNAP beneficiaries, the advocates say.
“The longer we wait, the more people go hungry and the more criminals are lining their pockets with Marylanders’ money,” Gilman said.
Theft from ‘poorest of the poor’
Previously known as food stamps, SNAP is the federally funded program that pays a minimum $23 per month and, in Maryland, an average of about $327 per month per household for food purchases. Funds are deposited directly into EBT accounts and can be spent using what’s called the Independence Card. Eligibility depends on a number of factors, including income (for the current year, a family of four with a gross monthly income $3,250 or less or a net monthly income of $2,500 or less could qualify).
“The only people who can qualify for these benefits are the poorest of the poor,” said Cornelia Bright Gordon, director of advocacy for the nonprofit Maryland Legal Aid, which offers legal services to low-income individuals.
When “every dollar is of paramount importance,” she said, it makes the theft of that money that much more painful. Gordon said her group’s clients have seen their monthly food allowances vanish in minutes due to theft. Before changes to state law and the start of an online portal to file claims last year, the process was even more difficult, with victims required to file police reports and other paperwork to make claims, she said.
State Sen. Katie Fry Hester, a Howard County Democrat, said state lawmakers were spurred to act after seeing a spike in theft in 2021 and 2022 — a trend seen across the country as credit card companies adopted more secure chip technology while EBT operators didn’t. A law she sponsored in 2023 required the state to reimburse EBT account holders and implement new security measures, including chip technology by Oct. 1, 2023.
“I never thought we’d hit $24 or $25 million,” Hester said, referring to the amount of reimbursements DHS reported in early May to the state procurement board. That number has since risen, to $25.9 million in reimbursed benefits for theft since Jan. 1, 2021, a Department of Human Services spokesman said Friday. About $17.8 million of that came from federal funds and $8.1 million came from the state.
“It’s a huge amount, and it makes the microchip card that much more important, because it’s the only thing that can fully stop it,” Hester said.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Maryland ranks second in the number of claims of stolen SNAP benefits filed in the last year, at 33,500. That data is reported by states directly and not fully up to date. California, for example, has not reported data but is considered to potentially be the most impacted state. A recent U.S. Department of Justice notice indicated complaints between June 2022 and February 2024 in that state totaled $181 million, and California has just started rolling out chip cards.
Elisabet Eppes, deputy director of Maryland Hunger Solutions, said Department of Human Services “has done a really great job of springing into action” to ensure reimbursements for theft have been awarded easily and quickly. Though families were not originally being reimbursed in full, that policy changed earlier this year and victims of theft have been receiving payments quickly.
But Maryland and its EBT vendor, Conduent State & Local Solutions, also need to “pick up the pace” on the technology, she said.
Eppes said her group has worked with repeat victims of theft, adding “insult upon injury” as the state inches toward implementing chip cards. She said an 18-month timeline ending around mid-2025 for chip cards, indicated in Department of Human Services statements earlier this year, was not fast enough.
“We know that when it comes to services and products that are geared toward lower-income customers, they are seen as second-tier customers and oftentimes the technology that is available is not as modern as it should be,” Eppes said. “We see that as a lack of prioritization from the companies themselves, but we, of course, think Maryland DHS could be doing a better job, as well.”
Inching toward better security
Intermittent steps toward more secure EBT cards have come in a few forms in the last year.
Interactive voice response, or IVR, fraud-detection was incorporated to try to prevent phishing attempts, and an app launched in late 2023, called ConnectEBT, allows cardholders to lock and unlock their cards.
The advocates said the moves have been positive, but haven’t had their full intended effect.
“Any step to reduce this theft is great, but what I’ve heard on the ground is they’re sort of half measures,” Gilman said. “Not all cardholders know about them, not all are able to access or implement them, so having chip cards would be a better solution.”
Eppes said the card-locking and unlocking technology has been a step in the right direction, but it’s only reached a small portion of cardholders.
She said her group works directly with people to submit applications for theft reimbursement, and “something we’ve learned is folks who experienced theft did not know about the ConnectEBT app.”
Other recommendations so far have been frequently changing account passwords, which does not always prevent theft and can lead to users being locked out of their accounts, she said.
Gordon, of Maryland Legal Aid, put it this way: “Security is great, and our clients deserve that. But ease of use of these programs and protections are paramount.”
High stakes, high hurdles
Though the Department of Human Services has begun working with Conduent to implement chip cards, the agency is putting an emphasis on speed in its push Wednesday for a new contract.
The four-year contract worth just under $20 million to continue with the same vendor is being contested by the other major EBT vendor in U.S., Fidelity Information Services LLC, which submitted a $31.3 million bid.
Waiting for Fidelity’s appeal to move forward, however, could result in another delay of nine months to two years — all but ensuring the state is forced to pay back even more in stolen benefits, according to a memo from Department of Human Services officials to the Board of Public Works.
The three-member board consists of Gov. Wes Moore, Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Treasurer Dereck Davis, all Democrats, and contracts that appear on its agenda are almost always approved unanimously, even if they’re contested.
Gilman said it was common for bidders to appeal or sue in response to losing a contract. She appreciated the state’s push to move forward without delay, especially because “the stakes are really high here.”
“It’s about whether children are eating or not,” she said.
A Maryland police officer was struck head on by a suspected drunken driver while on duty early Thursday morning.
The Laurel officer’s SUV was struck by a dark-colored Kia about 2:30 a.m. on Van Dusen Road near Laurel Oaks Lane while he was responding to a call, police said. The officer was taken to a hospital and is home recovering.
“As he was traveling towards 95, he saw a vehicle coming towards him,” Deputy Police Chief Mark Plazinski said. “That vehicle crossed the double yellow line. He tried to avoid the vehicle, but it struck him head on.”
Plazinski said it was an incredibly close call and the officer is lucky to be alive.
The suspect was not injured. He was cited for driving under the influence, police said.
“I implore everybody, you know, if you’re gonna be drinking, make sure you have a sober driver,” Plazinski said. “If you’re hosting a party, make sure your guests have a sober ride home. Take a taxi; take a ride share.”
In December 2015, Montgomery County police Officer Noah Leotta was struck and fatally injured by a drunken driver while working on a holiday DUI enforcement task force. His death led to Noah’s Law, passed in 2016, which requires ignition interlock devices to be installed in the cars of those convicted of drunken driving in Maryland. A loophole allowing thousands of drunken drivers to avoid the program every year was closed in the latest Maryland legislative session.
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Iowa Hawkeyes (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) vs. Maryland Terrapins (4-6, 1-6 Big Ten) Preview:
The 6-4 Iowa Hawkeyes travel to College Park, Maryland, to take on the 4-6 Terrapins.
Some may think Iowa’s six wins at this point of the season is bad. However, the Hawkeyes should not be discouraged. This was a season in which they had to replace key members on the defense and implement an entirely new offensive system.
They have had some bright moments, including their road win in Minnesota and a thumping of Washington, Wisconsin, and Northwestern.
They will also be looking to bounce back from their road loss to UCLA prior to last week’s bye.
With their success, there must be some discussion about Kaleb Johnson. The junior running back has moved higher on draft boards with great play this season. The Ohio native has rushed for 1,328 yards and 20 touchdowns. His 1,328 yards lead the Big Ten, and the closest player to him is still nearly 300 yards away.
The season for Maryland was always going to be a challenge replacing the production of Taulia Tagovailoa. Billy Edwards Jr has been good in his stead. He’s thrown for 2,855 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The issue for Maryland this season has been on the defensive side of the ball. They will need to sure up their defense if they wish to pick up their second Big Ten win of the season.
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insights weekdays at 6 AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
Game Details & How to Watch Iowa vs. Maryland:
- Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
- Time: 12:00 PM EST
- Site: Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium (Byrd Stadium)
- City: College Park, MD
- TV/Streaming: Big Ten Network
Game Odds for Iowa at Maryland via BetMGM:
- Moneyline: Iowa (-230), Maryland (+195)
- Spread: Iowa -6.5
- Total Over/Under: 45.5
BetMGM College Football Insights: Odds to make Playoffs
Line movement (Open to Now)
- Indiana +15000 to -500
- Tennessee +180 to -135
- Colorado +2000 to -120
Betting Insights and Predictions
NBC Sports Bet’s Brad Thomas is leaning towards Over 45.5 points…
Thomas: “Auto betting the under on Iowa is a thing of the past. They are scoring more this season, and their defense is noticeably worse. It’s likely hard to believe, but Iowa is 8-2 to the over this season. Maryland is 7-3. These teams both give up too many points. The over will consistently be in play.
Names to Know for Iowa vs. Maryland:
- Iowa Hawkeyes: RB Kaleb Johnson—Johnson, one of the top running backs in this upcoming NFL Draft, has been the offense for the Iowa Hawkeyes. He has a Big Ten-leading 1,328 yards. Johnson averages 7.1 yards per carry and has found the endzone 21 times.
- Maryland Terrapins: QB Billy Edwards Jr. – Edwards Jr. has thrown for 2,885 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions.
Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest player news from the NFL and MLB. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Betting Trends & Insights Ahead of Iowa at Maryland:
- Iowa is 8-2 to the OVER this season
- Maryland is 7-3 to the OVER this season
- Maryland has covered in its last 3 games as a home underdog
- Iowa has lost 4 of its last 5 on the road
For more betting analysis and insights, follow our experts on social media:
– Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
– Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
Maryland
November 21 Colder Winds Bring Snow To Central Maryland And Winter Storm Warning In The Mountains – Just In Weather
November 21, 2024
Thursday Morning Report
The squall line last night validated and even overachieved expectations. Winds gusted over 50 mph in many areas AND much needed rainfall added up to 0.94” in Baltimore through midnight. More was added afterward.
Colder air and a large upper-level trough will settle in Pennsylvania on Friday. This will bring in a taste of winter. The expectations for snow have now expanded to Central Maryland, and yes, it might be cold enough for some stickage on grassy areas.
A Winter Storm Warning is in place for the high mountains of far Western Maryland and West Virginia. Snow is still expected to reach 1-foot accumulation along with 50 mph winds.
Let’s take a look……
Morning Surface Weather
Storm 1, which brought us rain and wind, is moving away and sending much-needed rain to the drought areas of Metro New York and New England.
Storm 2 is the main event that will pivot from the Great Lakes and nearly stall in Pennsylvania on Friday. This will include a strong upper-level source of cold air and instability. Snow will spread our way and enhance over the Appalachian mountains.
Weather Preview
Storm Animation Today through Saturday Night
Watch the main storm spin in PA and pivot the next wave of energy that will enhance the snow on Friday, then pull away this weekend.
Jet Stream Friday Morning
The core of the cold air will be over our region. There is a trough swinging through the Southeast US with enough enhanced energy to develop snow.
Snow and Rain Mix Friday
Notice the blue shading (snow) into metro Baltimore. A closer look is below.
TODAY
Wind Forecast 7 AM to 7 PM
Wind Gusts at Noon
The stronger winds will be moving east, so it will be less windy this afternoon.
Radar Simulation: Noon to Midnight
There will be some showers with rain and maybe flakes after dark.
Heavy snow will get going in the mountains.
Afternoon Temperatures
Radar Simulation Tonight
7 PM Wed to 7 AM Thu
CLIMATE DATA: Baltimore
TODAY November 21
Sunrise at 6:57 AM
Sunset at 4:48 PM
Normal Low in Baltimore: 35ºF
Record 16ºF in 1951
Normal High in Baltimore: 55ºF
Record 79ºF 1900
Baltimore Drought Update
- 0.94” of rain fell Thursday… The updated deficit:
- 6.66 inches BELOW AVERAGE rainfall since September 1st
- 7.12 inches BELOW AVERAGE rainfall since January 1st
- THE BURN BAN REMAINS IN PLACE
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22
Turning colder with developing snow from the North, and it will reach the northern suburbs during the morning.
Snow will mix with rain near and south of Baltimore.
Heavy snow will be raging in the mountains.
Morning Temperatures
Morning Radar Simulation
Radar Forecast 7 AM to Midnight
Winds At Noon
Afternoon Radar
Afternoon Temperatures
WINTER STORM WARNING
This includes Garrett County, MD, and the high mountains of PA and WV.
Snow 6 to 12+ inches with wind gusts to 50 mph.
Note this is over the extreme drought region and is much needed.
Snow Roads Profile
Snow Forecast Models
There is a lot of agreement between the GFS and ECMWF.
Yes, I see a dusting or more on the grassy areas north of Baltimore.
GFS
ECMWF
NAM 3Km
In Case You Missed It
My Winter Outlook Report
7 Day Forecast
- Colder air will continue to spill in through Saturday.
- Some rain showers later today with a mix of flakes.
- Heavy snow develops in the mountains.
- Snow and mixed showers will expand into Central Maryland on Friday.
- Briefly mild early next week. Then, rain on Wednesday may set up a colder Thanksgiving storm.
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SCHEDULE A WEATHER BASED STEM ASSEMBLY
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Winter Weather FITF (Faith in the Flakes): November To March
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THANK YOU:
Baltimore Magazine Readers Choice Best Of Baltimore
Maryland Trek 11 Day 7 Completed Sat August 10
We raised OVER $104,000 for Just In Power Kids – AND Still Collecting More
The annual event: Hiking and biking 329 miles in 7 days between The Summit of Wisp to Ocean City.
Each day, we honor a kid and their family’s cancer journey.
Fundraising is for Just In Power Kids: Funding Free Holistic Programs. I never have and never will take a penny. It is all for our nonprofit to operate.
Click here or the image to donate:
RESTATING MY MESSAGE ABOUT DYSLEXIA
I am aware there are some spelling and grammar typos and occasional other glitches. I take responsibility for my mistakes and even the computer glitches I may miss. I have made a few public statements over the years, but if you are new here, you may have missed it: I have dyslexia and found out during my second year at Cornell University. It didn’t stop me from getting my meteorology degree and being the first to get the AMS CBM in the Baltimore/Washington region.
One of my professors told me that I had made it that far without knowing and to not let it be a crutch going forward. That was Mark Wysocki, and he was absolutely correct! I do miss my mistakes in my own proofreading. The autocorrect spell check on my computer sometimes does an injustice to make it worse. I also can make mistakes in forecasting. No one is perfect at predicting the future. All of the maps and information are accurate. The ‘wordy’ stuff can get sticky.
There has been no editor who can check my work while writing and to have it ready to send out in a newsworthy timeline. Barbara Werner is a member of the web team that helps me maintain this site. She has taken it upon herself to edit typos when she is available. That could be AFTER you read this. I accept this and perhaps proves what you read is really from me… It’s part of my charm. #FITF
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