Secondary menu

Fraud

How Can I Fight SNAP Fraud?

Last Published: 11/13/2013

Whether you are a participant or a retailer, it is important to know and follow SNAP rules. Remember there are serious penalties for SNAP fraud

If you are a retailer, violations can result in:

  • Temporary disqualification from the program.

  • Permanent disqualification from the program.

  • Payment of a civil monetary penalty.

  • Criminal charges and prosecution resulting in restitution payments and imprisonment.

If you are a retailer, falsification of your application can result in:

  • Disqualification, and a $10,000 fine, imprisonment for as long as 5 years or both.

If you are a recipient, violations can result in:

  • Temporary disqualification from the program for 12 or 24 months.
  • Permanent disqualification from the program.
  • Repayment of benefits obtained illegally.

Here are Some Dos and Don’ts to Help You Follow the Rules

If you are a SNAP participant:

Do:

  • Use your benefits for food.

  • Tell the truth on your application.

  • Report income changes to your caseworker.

  • Report suspicious activity: (800) 424-9121.

  • Keep your EBT card and PIN secure

Don’t:

  • Don’t sell your benefits for cash.

  • Don’t pay money to apply for SNAP. There is no cost to apply for SNAP. Stay up to date with our SCAM Alert.

  • Don’t share your EBT card.

  • Don’t share your PIN with anyone outside your family.

If you are an interested public citizen:

Do:

Don’t:

  • Don’t ignore suspicious activity.

  • Don’t spread myths about the program.

If you are a retailer:

Do:

  • Tell the truth on your application.

  • Train your employees about the rules.

Don’t:

  • Don’t buy benefits for cash.

  • Don’t sell ineligible foods.