PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — When Rob Tiereny noticed that his electric transfer benefit card (EBT) card had been wiped clean in December, he filed a claim with the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. But once he got a new card in January and his benefits were reimbursed, he noticed more fraudulent activity on his card. "They just siphoned it," Tierney said. "They actually left me $0.03, and then I called the EBT office." He said it appears that a skimming device was used to gain access to his account. Tierney is not alone. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have been targeted around the country and are being stolen at record levels. Over the past two years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said more than 1,000 fraud claims were approved and more than $400,000 in SNAP reimbursements were shelled out in Rhode Island. In Massachusetts, there were more than 19,000 approved claims of fraudulent activity, with the federal government paying more than $8 million. However, Congress didn't extend the replacement of SNAP benefits that have been fraudulently stolen through card skimming, card cloning and other similar fraudulent methods, according to the USDA. "It's going to hurt a lot of other people," Tierney said. That means anyone who experienced fraud on their EBT card after Dec. 20, 2024 will likely not be reimbursed unless the state sets money aside in its budget. Rhode Island and Massachusetts have said they won't be picking up the tab, which could leave thousands of families across both states without money and other essentials if their EBT money is stolen. "What happens to older people that might be diabetic or have health concerns that they need to eat certain stuff, that they can't get the stuff at the food pantry and then they can't afford it?" he questioned. Both Rhode Island and Massachusetts officials urge those who have fallen victim to EBT fraud to contact their local police department. They also recommend changing PINs frequently to prevent scammers from accessing their accounts. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW