EBT investigates allegations against mobile SNAP vendors

The OIG's Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Trafficking Unit continues to receive complaints in cases involving mobile vendors who make unauthorized deductions from recipients’ SNAP accounts. EBT investigates vendors who take advantage of clients who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

EBT Trafficking received 57 complaints in the second quarter regarding two mobile vendors owned by a married couple in the Houston area. Research of the transaction history shows that many of the transactions were performed manually between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. – outside of normal business hours – on the day the recipients’ allocations were deposited into their accounts. The investigation is ongoing.

EBT Trafficking completed 62 investigations in the second quarter and presented another 36 investigations for either administrative disqualification hearings (34) or prosecution (2). The unit identified for recovery $432,897 and collected $99,248.