The Department of Human Services Division of Family Assistance, which administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), widely known as food stamps, said Thursday that it recently received complaints from some clients that their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards appeared to have discrepancies in account balances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
D.H.S. said that upon further investigation, it was determined that certain EBT cards were the subject of \u201cunauthorized use\u201d that resulted in these discrepancies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
D.H.S. Commissioner Designee Kimberley Causey-Gomez expressed concern and indicated that the department has been in contact with its federal partners to immediately remedy this matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is a very serious matter, as the unauthorized use of federal benefits is illegal and can result in criminal prosecution,\u201d she said, noting that the temporary loss of benefits for recipients is equally important, according to D.H.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have directed a complete internal review to verify the \u2018unauthorized use\u2019 on a case-by-case basis,\u201d Ms. Causey-Gomez said. \u201cWhile we are committed to restoring those benefits, we also encourage recipients to be more diligent in protecting their EBT cards.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
D.H.S. said while it is collaborating with the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), it remains steadfast in its efforts to deter fraud throughout its operations. Specifically, the department advises SNAP recipients about the importance of selecting a strong or stronger PIN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are advising our clients to stay away from what is considered weak PINs which are usually sequential numbering such as 1234 or 3377,\u201d Ms. Causey-Gomez added. \u201cWe also do not advise clients to use birthdays as PINs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SNAP recipients are further advised that it is not necessary to visit the DHS offices. Clients should change their PINs through the customer service telephone (IVR) system by calling 1-866-8842868.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information, call 340-774-0930 ext. 4386 in the St. Thomas\/St. John District or 340-772-7103 in the St. Croix District.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Department of Human Services Division of Family Assistance, which administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), widely known as food stamps, said Thursday that it recently received complaints from some clients that their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards appeared to have discrepancies in account balances. D.H.S. said that upon further investigation, it was determined […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":70386,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[191,147],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n