Skimming devices that steal SNAP benefits a frequent issue, DHS says | News [Video]

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Human Services (DHS) said skimming devices that steal SNAP benefits are becoming a frequent issue.

In a press release, DHS said over the last weekend, law enforcement agents found and removed nine skimming devices from different stores in the Oklahoma City metro area. More devices were also found over the past several weeks in the Tulsa metro, Blanchard and Enid.

“We are seeing an unfortunate increase in the usage of skimming devices and card cloning across the nation, including in Oklahoma, and want to encourage all Oklahomans, not just SNAP recipients, to use precautionary measures when making transactions,” said Mike Adams, Law Enforcement Agent V, Oklahoma Human Services Office of Inspector General. 

DHS said in a typical month, less than 200 requests are made for replacement of benefits due to skimming, cloning or phishing. In the past month, nearly 10,000 replacement requests were made.

DHS said …