SNAP customers affected by fraud should submit claims for benefit replacement

The state of Oklahoma enforces strict policies to prevent and penalize fraud, waste, and abuse within the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, particularly concerning the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Definition of Fraud and Abuse

Oklahoma law defines fraud in public assistance programs as intentionally obtaining or attempting to obtain benefits through false statements, misrepresentation, or failure to report crucial information such as income, property, or household composition. This includes unauthorized use or trafficking of EBT cards or benefits .(Justia Law, Welcome to Oklahoma’s Official Web Site)

Penalties for Violations

Penalties for SNAP fraud in Oklahoma vary based on the severity of the offense:(Welcome to Oklahoma’s Official Web Site)

  • Misdemeanor: Trafficking benefits valued at $100 or less can lead to fines up to $500 and/or up to three months in county jail.(Justia Law)
  • Felony: Trafficking benefits exceeding $100 may result in fines up to $5,000 and/or up to two years in state prison .(Justia Law)

Additionally, individuals found guilty of intentional program violations (IPVs) may face disqualification from SNAP benefits. For instance, trafficking SNAP benefits for controlled substances can lead to a two-year disqualification for the first offense and permanent disqualification for subsequent offenses. Trafficking benefits worth $500 or more can result in permanent disqualification from the program .(Welcome to Oklahoma’s Official Web Site)

Enforcement and Oversight

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) is responsible for investigating allegations of fraud and abuse in public assistance programs. The OIG conducts criminal investigations, executes court orders, and performs audits to ensure compliance with state and federal laws (Welcome to Oklahoma’s Official Web Site).

Recent enforcement actions include felony charges against individuals who fraudulently obtained SNAP benefits by misrepresenting household information or income (Welcome to Oklahoma’s Official Web Site).

Reporting Suspected Fraud

Oklahoma residents can report suspected EBT or SNAP fraud through the following channels:

When reporting, it’s helpful to provide detailed information about the individuals involved, including names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and any relevant case numbers or employment information (Welcome to Oklahoma’s Official Web Site).

Preventative Measures

To combat fraud, Oklahoma is implementing several measures:

  • Chip-Enabled EBT Cards: Scheduled for rollout in summer 2025, these cards aim to enhance security against skimming and cloning .(Welcome to Oklahoma’s Official Web Site)
  • Digital Wallet Pilot Program: Oklahoma is one of five states testing mobile contactless payment options for SNAP benefits, offering a more secure transaction method .(The Journal Record)
  • Connect EBT App: This app allows users to monitor their accounts, change PINs, and lock cards when not in use, providing additional protection against unauthorized access .(2 News Oklahoma KJRH Tulsa)

For more information or assistance, visit the Oklahoma Department of Human Services website or contact their office at (405) 522-5050.(Welcome to Oklahoma’s Official Web Site)