Local Woman Warns Others After $900 of SNAP Benefits Stolen

Fort Wayne Mother Left Devastated After Theft of Vital Assistance

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) — Delana Williams, a mother of four, is speaking out after the devastating theft of $900 worth of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, warning others to protect their accounts. The theft has left her family struggling to meet basic needs, and she is now urging others to take precautions to avoid falling victim to similar crimes.

A Devastating Discovery

Williams, who lost her job several months ago, had applied for SNAP benefits to help feed her family. When she was approved, she was relieved and excited to buy groceries for her children. “It was a way to feed my family of four,” she explains. “I had like two big carts of food! Because we haven’t had food for real in a while.”

However, when Williams attempted to pay at the store, her card showed a zero balance. “I’m like, ‘hold on, this has to be a mistake because they said they were loading up around $900 something on there,’” she recalls.

After calling the SNAP hotline, she learned the shocking truth: her benefits had been stolen.

family, food bank, community support

The Widespread Issue

Unfortunately, Williams is not alone. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) reported that $3.5 million in SNAP benefits were stolen between October 2023 and September 2024. The stolen funds are typically taken through methods like card skimming or card cloning, with thieves accessing EBT cards remotely.

Until recently, the FSSA had replaced stolen SNAP benefits for eligible individuals, but changes at the end of 2024 have left many in dire straits. Michele Holtkamp, FSSA Communications and Public Affairs Director, explained that Congress did not include an extension for replacing benefits stolen after December 20, 2024. As a result, those who experience theft after that date will not receive replacements.

Williams is frustrated by the situation. “They’re not giving benefits back that have been stolen, which is just absurd to me,” she says.

Protecting Your Benefits

The FSSA is now urging SNAP recipients to take proactive steps to secure their EBT cards. They recommend locking the cards to prevent unauthorized access and encourage users and retailers to inspect point-of-sale machines and pin pads for signs of tampering.

For those like Williams who find themselves in urgent need of food, community resources are available. The Lighthouse Food Bank, located on East State Boulevard, is welcoming individuals from all income levels and zip codes.

A Call to Action

Williams’ emotional plea is a reminder of the impact theft can have on families relying on public assistance. “They took everything from my children, everything!” she says. “Now you’re playing with the livelihood of my children.”

For anyone who may be struggling, local organizations like The Lighthouse Food Bank are offering support during these difficult times. Williams’ story highlights a growing issue, with many people feeling helpless due to the loss of much-needed resources.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *