Arizona Reports $1 Million in SNAP Losses
ARIZONA — A widespread scam targeting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients has left millions of Americans vulnerable to fraud, with victims losing millions of dollars from their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) accounts. These skimming attacks are particularly concerning as they disproportionately affect low‑income families who rely on SNAP for food security. As the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to investigate the rise in skimming incidents, Arizona has already reported significant losses, and local officials are warning residents of the risks.
In early 2025, Arizona authorities revealed that over 2,900 SNAP recipients in the state had their benefits stolen, amounting to more than $1 million in losses.
How the Skimming Scam Works
The scam works by criminals installing small skimming devices on EBT card readers at retail stores. These devices capture the card’s magnetic stripe data, which is then used to clone cards and steal funds. Often, the perpetrators use these stolen funds to purchase expensive items, including baby formula, which is later resold on the black market. The fraud rings have targeted large stores and even smaller, rural locations throughout the state, making it difficult for recipients to detect when their benefits have been compromised.
Arizona’s Department of Economic Security (DES) has issued numerous warnings to SNAP recipients, urging them to carefully check card readers for any signs of tampering. A recent report highlighted that many victims only realized their accounts had been drained when their balances unexpectedly dropped to zero after a routine shopping trip. Unfortunately, SNAP benefits are not federally insured, meaning once stolen, they are rarely replaced. This leaves many families without vital support for food.
Larger Trend of Fraud Affecting Low‑Income Americans
The increase in SNAP skimming has been part of a larger trend of fraud affecting low‑income Americans. In 2024 alone, the USDA estimated that hundreds of millions of dollars in SNAP benefits were stolen, with many cases still unresolved. Federal and state authorities have begun working together to address the issue, but for those who rely on SNAP to feed their families, the damage has already been done. Victims are often forced to turn to food banks and other emergency services for help in the meantime.
Mohave County Among Hardest Hit
While Arizona is not the only state affected, the local impact is significant. Mohave County, which has a substantial number of SNAP participants, is particularly vulnerable. According to the most recent data, over 33,000 Mohave County residents rely on SNAP benefits, making it one of the largest public assistance programs in the area. Local grocery stores, gas stations, and even small convenience stores in rural communities have all been identified as potential targets for skimming operations. As the state’s Attorney General Kris Mayes noted, these fraudulent activities are not confined to urban centers but extend throughout the state, including Mohave County.
Impact on Families and Food Banks
For many families in Mohave, the theft of food assistance is devastating. With the rising cost of groceries and an already stretched household budget, losing hundreds of dollars in benefits can mean the difference between having enough food for the week or going without. Nonprofit organizations and food banks in the area have reported an increase in requests for emergency food assistance, with some families who have lost their SNAP benefits unable to make ends meet. One food pantry in Lake Havasu City has seen a 40% increase in clients seeking help, many of whom are struggling after having their benefits stolen.
The Arizona DES is working to replace stolen benefits, but this process is slow, and many recipients are left in limbo while they await reimbursement.
State Efforts and Calls for Vigilance
As the state continues to investigate the scope of the fraud, it is clear that more needs to be done to protect vulnerable families. One solution being explored is the transition to more secure chip‑enabled EBT cards, which could reduce the risk of skimming. However, these changes take time, and in the meantime, SNAP users are encouraged to monitor their accounts closely and report any suspicious activity immediately.
How SNAP Users Can Protect Themselves
For those living in Mohave County, the best way to protect against the scam is to be vigilant. Before using an EBT card, it’s important to check the card reader for any unusual attachments or loose parts, which may be signs that a skimming device has been installed. Additionally, using the state’s online portal or the ConnectEBT app to monitor balances and set low withdrawal limits can help catch any fraudulent transactions early. If any suspicious activity is noticed, recipients are urged to contact DES immediately.
Law Enforcement Response
Local law enforcement agencies are also taking steps to combat the rise in fraud. The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with state and federal authorities to investigate the skimming rings, and several arrests have already been made in connection with the Arizona fraud network. However, much of the work is preventative, and local businesses are being urged to regularly inspect card readers and report any signs of tampering. Grocery store managers, in particular, are encouraged to train employees to recognize and report suspicious activity.
Toward a More Secure SNAP System
The rise in SNAP skimming highlights a larger issue of food insecurity in Arizona. As the state grapples with the economic impacts of fraud, officials are emphasizing the need for a stronger, more secure SNAP system to protect those who rely on it. Until that happens, however, residents are being asked to remain vigilant and take steps to safeguard their benefits.
The growing prevalence of these fraud schemes is a stark reminder that for low‑income families in Mohave County, every dollar counts. The theft of SNAP benefits is more than just a financial setback—it’s a threat to the well‑being of the most vulnerable members of the community. While the state works to address the issue, it is clear that for many, the damage has already been done, and the road to recovery will be long.
—Stephen Lightman
