Oklahoma SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients who have had their benefits stolen due to card skimming, cloning, phishing, or other fraudulent activities can apply for replacement benefits. The Continuing Appropriations Act of 2025 extends the deadline for claiming stolen benefits to December 20, 2024. This extension allows victims of food stamp theft in Oklahoma more time to recover their lost funds and ensures families can continue to purchase groceries.
This act follows the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which initially allowed the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) to reimburse stolen SNAP benefits between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2024. The extension provides continued protection against Oklahoma Food Stamp Theft and reinforces the commitment to assisting those affected by these crimes.
Oklahoma Human Services recognizes the importance of SNAP benefits for families in need. “SNAP customers rely on their benefits to provide food for their families,” said Deb Smith, Deputy Director Oklahoma Human Services. “This new law helps ensure families who experience theft can still feed their children, even when criminals try to take their benefits.” The agency is committed to helping victims of food stamp theft in Oklahoma navigate the process of reclaiming their stolen benefits.
To be eligible for replacement, SNAP recipients must submit a claim within 30 days of discovering the theft. The claim must explain whether the card was in their possession during the theft and confirm the benefits were stolen through no fault of their own. The claim submission date is considered the official report date, and Oklahoma Human Services will determine its timeliness based on the 30-day window. Each household is limited to two stolen benefit replacements per fiscal year, with a maximum replacement amount of two months’ worth of benefits.
Claims can be submitted:
- By phone: 405-522-5050
- In person: at a Human Services Center
- By mail: Oklahoma Human Services, SNAP, PO Box 25352, Oklahoma City, OK 73125
Upon contact, agency staff will assist in completing the electronic request form, ensuring a streamlined process for those reporting Oklahoma food stamp theft.
Protecting your EBT card is crucial to prevent food stamp theft in Oklahoma. Treat it like a debit or credit card and take precautions to safeguard your benefits. Oklahoma Human Services recommends several preventative measures:
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Change your PIN frequently by calling 1-888-328-6551 or visiting connectEBT.com. Consistent PIN changes minimize the risk of unauthorized access in case of data breaches or skimming devices.
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Never respond to suspicious texts or calls requesting personal information. Legitimate agencies will never solicit your Social Security number or PIN via phone or text. Be wary of phishing attempts related to Oklahoma food stamp theft.
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Create a strong PIN, avoiding easily guessed combinations. A complex PIN is the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your benefits, protecting you from potential food stamp theft in Oklahoma.
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Keep your PIN secret and shield the keypad when entering it. Protecting your PIN from prying eyes helps prevent unauthorized transactions and safeguards your benefits from Oklahoma food stamp theft.
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Regularly monitor your account for unauthorized activity using the ConnectEBT app. Regular monitoring allows for quick detection and reporting of suspicious activities, minimizing the impact of potential food stamp theft in Oklahoma.
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Lock your card between purchases using the ConnectEBT app for added security. Locking your card prevents unauthorized use and protects you from potential food stamp theft in Oklahoma. You can find video tutorials on how to lock and unlock your card on the Oklahoma Human Services YouTube channel.
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Inspect card readers for suspicious devices before use. Skimming devices are often attached to legitimate card readers to steal information. Vigilance at the point of sale can help prevent Oklahoma food stamp theft.
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Avoid maintaining a large account balance to minimize potential losses. Keeping a lower balance limits the potential loss in case your card is compromised in an Oklahoma food stamp theft incident.
If you suspect fraudulent activity or believe you are a victim of Oklahoma food stamp theft, contact Oklahoma Human Services at 405-522-5050 immediately. Prompt reporting is essential in mitigating the impact of food stamp theft in Oklahoma and initiating the recovery process.
