Oregon SNAP Fraud Crackdown Uncovers More Than $3 Million in Stolen Benefits, 40 People Charged

Beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have been defrauded of benefits exceeding $3 million, resulting in the indictment of at least 40 people in Oregon, according to the state’s U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The Scheme Mostly Involves Using Skimming Devices to Steal EBT Card Data

The scheme involves stealing EBT card data, often via skimming devices, resulting in the purchase of large quantities of SNAP-eligible goods.

At a press conference yesterday, it was learned that between August 2023 and October 2024, $2.4 million in SNAP benefits were stolen by using skimmers and other methods to obtain EBT card information.

In October 2024,17 people were charged with stealing baby formula, energy drinks, and other SNAP items in Oregon, Washington, and California in the U.S. vs Ramirez Dumitru et al case.

Federal prosecutors say goods weighing over 120,000 pounds were bought with stolen food benefits, and stored in Oregon and Washington before being shipped to California for sale on the black market.

To date, 12 defendants have been sentenced to a combined 157 months in prison. Two others have pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in December 2026.

Federal prosecutors explain that most of the thefts occur at the beginning of the month, immediately after SNAP and TANF benefits are loaded onto EBT cards.

Thieves use skimming devices, internet scams, and fake websites to steal Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), and card numbers. They then drain SNAP and TANF cash benefits from cardholders by making online and out-of-state purchases.

Oregon Cannot Replace SNAP Benefits Stolen Through Electronic Theft

Oregon ran out of federal funding to replace stolen SNAP benefits on December 21, 2024, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).

While the ODHS is no longer authorized to replace stolen SNAP benefits, it can replace Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) benefits if they are lost due to fraud.

Families whose TANF benefits were stolen should contact ODHS and request replacement benefits within 30 days of discovering the theft.