Lawmakers Unite Against Food Assistance Fraud
Victims Speak Out: Impact of Fraud on Families
According to EYEWITNESS NEWS abc7 NY, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer and state leaders have introduced new federal legislation aimed at combatting the escalating problem of fraud targeting crucial food assistance programs. Joined by New Jersey Senate President Nicholas Scutari and Union City Mayor and State Senator Brian Stack Gottheimer announced sweeping measures to address the alarming rise in theft of benefits meant for SNAP, WIC, and TANF recipients due to card skimming and other fraudulent schemes. The proposed legislation mandates that states educate beneficiaries about the risks associated with these scams while implementing enhanced security protocols. Key among these is the transition from outdated magnetic strip cards to more secure embedded chip technology aimed at safeguarding these essential benefits.
The urgency driving these legislative efforts is underscored by shocking statistics revealing over 6,200 victims in New Jersey alone between October 2022 and February 2024. Many of these victims like Tiffany Edwards a mother of seven have faced repeated losses of benefits totaling over $3,000 within nine months. Gottheimer expressed outrage at the exploitation of vulnerable families by fraudsters emphasizing that the security of food assistance should never be compromised for personal gain.
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6,200 Victims in NJ: Congress Introduces Sweeping Legislation to Combat $3,000+ in Food Benefit Fraud, Transitioning to Chip Technology! (PHOTO: Josh Gottheimer)
Accelerating EBT Card Security Upgrades in New Jersey
The proposed legislation not only seeks to enhance EBT card security nationwide but also accelerates the implementation timeline within New Jersey. Gottheimer aims for these upgraded security measures to be in place within the next six to 12 months despite a potential bureaucratic delay of up to five years nationally. Highlighting states like California and Oklahoma which are already making significant strides in improving benefit security Gottheimer stressed the need for swift action to protect the nearly 10% of New Jersey’s population facing food insecurity including a substantial number of children. The lawmakers emphasized the critical importance of securing these vital benefits to ensure the well-being and stability of vulnerable households throughout the state.
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