GEORGIA, USA — Imagine trying to use your bank card at the grocery store, but your card declines because all your money is gone.
This is the reality for hundreds of EBTS users across the state.
Since keeping in touch with the Georgia Department of Human Services, we're learning they received nearly 1,700 EBT fraud referrals in just the first two weeks of October.
In the last week, that's jumped — an additional 2,493 fraud referrals.
All told, 4,200 referrals have been made over fraud as complaints about stolen SNAP benefits continue to surface.
Brown said that number includes all fraud referrals, and are not specific to SNAP replacements.
We met with several victims of suspected fraud at the Macon-Bibb Department of Family and Children Services Office after our team received over half a dozen complaints in that timeframe.
Director Ellen Brown told us they're getting reports of phishing and skimming across the country.
According to the state, "From Oct. 1, 2024, through noon on Oct. 16, 2024, we received 1,678 fraud referrals related to SNAP."
She added they're aware of the theft problems.
Brown said they're continuing to get reports of the scams affecting clients in Georgia and other states.
The DHS director told us the state's working to address the claims, but right now they're still trying to get benefits to people affect by Hurricane Helene.
Brown told us clients whose claims are approved can expect to receive their reimbursement within two weeks of submitting the claim.
If you live in Georgia and believe you're the victim of a phishing scam involving your public benefits, contact the DHS Inspector General.
You can contact them by emailing inspectorgeneralhotline@dhs.ga.gov or calling 877-423-4746, and hit option 4.