Hialeah man says SNAP EBT money was stolen as skimming scams hit recipients

A Hialeah man is claiming his SNAP benefits disappeared for the month, possibly becoming one of many across the country who have fallen victim to a “skimming” scam.

Richard Cano relies on SNAP benefits for food for himself and his mother.

“They put the money on my card on the 23rd of every month… but on the 23rd of this month, when I checked the card, the food stamps were gone,” he told Telemundo 51.

Cano said his card never left his side, but police believe it’s possible he became one of many scam victims across the county whose cards were hacked by devices that criminals place over payment machines.

“When they insert their benefits card, they don’t realize that the terminal has a skimmer installed, and that’s where they lose the information,” said Joshua Garfinkel of the Hialeah Police Department.

He said the scammers usually focus on small businesses, where it’s easier to install the device without raising suspicion.

“The scammers don’t have to be present at that moment to steal the information… they send it directly to where they are: the PIN, the card number, the benefits,” Garfinkel said.

Cano said he still hasn’t received his money back.

“About a year ago, they were refunding it, but now they say they’re not,” he said.

And there’s a reason: According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, the federal program that allowed stolen SNAP benefits to be replaced ended on Dec. 20, 2024, so thefts that occurred after that date are no longer replaced with federal funds.

Now, beneficiaries have to cancel the card. They will be sent a new one, but with the stamps for the next month.

Florida could replace the funds with state money, but has not established that as policy. To prevent theft, it is recommended to change your PIN frequently and monitor your balance.