USDA TARGETS FOOD STAMP FRAUD

USDA is looking to crack down on welfare fraud around the country. Its Food and Nutrition Service announced this week it is targeting people who sell food stamps for money. Some recipients cheat the system by claiming they have lost their food stamp debit cards so they can request new ones, the agency said.  To combat fraud, the USDA will require states to be on the lookout for excessive requests for SNAP replacement cards. People who request four or more replacements in a year will receive a warning notice. If trafficking is suspected, the state agency must refer the cases to the state's fraud investigation unit. Currently, 8 out of 10 recipients do not request any replacement cards, and 98% request three or fewer cards each year

Source: The Hill, 4/23/14, Fraud