Cleveland-area EBT case reveals a wider fraud network

A hidden threat to food benefits

Imagine checking your EBT balance and finding that money meant for groceries has suddenly disappeared. That fear drives a growing wave of SNAP benefit theft across the United States.

A federal case in Ohio shows how criminals allegedly used hidden card-skimming devices to steal information from EBT cards. The case involves five Romanian nationals accused of targeting stores and gas stations in Ohio and California. Prosecutors say the alleged scheme involved nearly $1 million in SNAP benefits.

The Toledo case started with skimmers

Federal prosecutors say the Ohio investigation centered on hidden devices placed on legitimate card readers. These devices, known as skimmers, can collect information when a card is swiped at a payment terminal.

The indictment says the suspects allegedly placed skimmers at several locations in Toledo, Maple Heights, and Cleveland. Investigators say the suspects then used the stolen information to create cards that could access victims’ SNAP benefits. The case remains pending, and an indictment is an allegation, not proof of guilt.

Nearly $1 million was targeted

The Ohio investigation involved a large amount of money. Prosecutors say approximately $961,000 in SNAP benefits was stolen or targeted during the alleged conspiracy.

The five defendants face federal charges including conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, access device fraud, identity theft and handling stolen government funds. Four were apprehended during coordinated arrests in Ohio and California, while one defendant remained at large when the Justice Department announced the charges.

Why older EBT cards are vulnerable

Many EBT cards have traditionally relied on magnetic stripes to transfer card information. That technology is much older than the chip technology now common on bank cards. That difference matters because skimming devices are designed to capture information from magnetic stripes.

The Secret Service has warned that EBT cards without chip technology can be especially vulnerable to this type of theft. Criminals can copy stolen information onto another card and use it to make unauthorized purchases.

How a skimmer can steal card data

A skimmer is a device secretly attached to or placed around a legitimate payment terminal. It is designed to collect card information while customers use the machine normally.

The Secret Service says criminals have targeted places such as gas stations, grocery stores, and pharmacies. Some devices can also capture PIN entries. That means a thief may obtain both the card information and the number needed to access an account, making the stolen data more useful.

Fun fact: The FBI says tap-to-pay transactions are more secure and less likely to be compromised than swiping or inserting a card when paying at a fuel pump.

The problem reaches beyond Ohio

The Toledo case is not an isolated example of SNAP benefit theft. Federal prosecutors have announced other cases involving EBT information, skimming devices, and stolen benefits in different parts of the country.

For example, federal prosecutors in Oregon charged people in a separate case involving stolen EBT information and PINs. Another North Carolina case involved more than $760,000 in allegedly stolen SNAP funds. These cases show how benefit theft can involve multiple states and different methods.

Millions in benefits have been stolen

The nationwide numbers show why EBT security has become a major concern. Congressional data released in July 2026 said more than $360 million in SNAP funds had been verified stolen and reissued since federal tracking began in 2023.

More than 768,000 claims had been approved during that period. The figures include reports from every state, as well as Washington, D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. The totals show that benefit theft is affecting communities across the country.

California is testing a new approach

California has taken steps to move away from older EBT technology. The state began deploying chip-and-tap-enabled cards in February 2025 and said it was the first state to launch this type of EBT card.

California reported that overall EBT theft fell by about 83% between January 2024 and November 2025. The state also used tools such as forced PIN resets, transaction controls, and fraud detection systems to protect benefits.

Little-known fact: California found that forced PIN resets reduced theft by roughly 80% among about 30,000 compromised cardholders.

Ohio wants chip cards too

Ohio lawmakers have also focused on changing the technology behind SNAP cards. On June 3, 2026, the Ohio House unanimously passed HB 163, which would require the state to begin transitioning to chip-enabled EBT cards.

The bill passed 92-0 and appropriates $3 million for fiscal 2027, including $2.25 million in state general-revenue funding and $750,000 in federal funds. The measure was referred to the Ohio Senate Finance Committee on June 10 and remained pending there as of September 25.

Stolen benefits can hurt families

SNAP benefits are designed to help eligible households buy food. When those benefits disappear through theft, families can suddenly have less money available for groceries.

Federal authority to use federal funds to replace electronically stolen SNAP benefits expired for thefts occurring after December 20, 2024, although lawmakers have proposed restoring a federal replacement process. Some states continue to provide their own protections.

California says certain victims of electronic EBT theft may qualify to have stolen benefits replaced through their county.

There are simple warning signs

People using payment terminals can take a few basic precautions. The Secret Service recommends checking card readers for anything loose, crooked, damaged, or unusual before using them.

Protecting a PIN is also important. Covering the keypad while entering the number can make it harder for hidden cameras or nearby people to capture it. Cardholders should also pay attention to account activity and report suspicious transactions quickly. These steps cannot stop every type of fraud, but they can reduce some risks.

The push for safer EBT cards grows

The debate over EBT security is now reaching Congress as well as state governments. In July 2026, Reps. Grace Meng and Brian Fitzpatrick introduced legislation aimed at helping states upgrade EBT cards and creating a federal process for reissuing stolen SNAP benefits.

The proposed federal changes come as states work on different solutions. California has already introduced chip-and-tap cards, while Ohio lawmakers are working toward a similar system. The goal is to make stolen card information harder to use.

A journalist who investigated Minnesota’s fraud cases is now turning attention toward California. Discover why California has become the focus of the latest fraud investigation.

The fight against EBT theft continues

The Ohio case is still moving through federal court, while authorities around the country continue investigating EBT theft. Prosecutors say the alleged Toledo scheme shows how older card technology can be exploited at ordinary stores and gas stations.

For SNAP recipients, the issue is about protecting money that may be needed for everyday groceries. New card technology, fraud monitoring, and quick reporting are becoming important parts of that effort. As states upgrade their systems, the focus remains on making benefits harder to steal and easier to protect.

A federal megabill could bring significant changes to SNAP benefits in Connecticut. Find out how the legislation could affect food assistance for Connecticut residents.

Do you think stronger EBT card security could help prevent benefit theft? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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