One of the major benefits that was affected by the recent government shutdown was the lack of SNAP benefits for thousands of Americans. These are what were commonly referred to as Food Stamps in past years.

No one wants to see anyone go hungry, especially children.

Most of us know that many citizens in this region, in both Kentucky and West Virginia, in Martin and Mingo counties, depend on this type of government aid to help feed their families.

Unfortunately, there is always abuse and fraud in some of these types of programs.

This fraud can hurt those who really depend on the assistance.

I did some research and found this information on the USDA website on the types of illegal use of SNAP benefits.

Here is that information.

Recipient fraud

SNAP recipients must use their benefits as they were intended. Violations of program rules will not be tolerated. Individuals who intentionally break the rules for personal gain, such as lying about their income or identity to receive SNAP benefits or selling their benefits for cash, face severe penalties, including disqualification, criminal charges, and prosecution resulting in fines and/or prison time.

While states are responsible for ensuring recipient eligibility and monitoring their benefit use, the USDA works closely with them to prevent, identify and hold accountable those who commit recipient fraud. For example, the agency developed the SNAP Fraud Framework, a toolkit of evidence-based strategies to combat recipient fraud. This framework combines data analytics with industry best practices to offer flexible models for states to detect and prevent fraud. The USDA also regularly evaluates states’ fraud-fighting efforts to ensure they are following the law and implementing the most effective program integrity strategies.

Retailer fraud

SNAP retailers play a critical role in making sure vulnerable families have access to healthy foods. The USDA provides clear guidance, resources, and support to SNAP retailers to help them understand and follow program rules—and most do. However, any retailers that choose to break the rules — such as exchanging SNAP benefits for cash (i.e., trafficking), selling items not allowed under SNAP, or lying on their SNAP application to be authorized for SNAP — are knowingly committing fraud and will face the consequences.

The USDA takes action against those attempting to cheat the system head-on with a highly trained team of analysts and investigators dedicated to preventing, identifying and prosecuting retailer fraud. Bad actors will be caught and subjected to penalties like:

Temporary or permanent disqualification as a SNAP retailer.

Application denial or authorization withdrawal.

Financial penalties are known as civil monetary penalties.

Criminal charges and prosecution resulting in fines and/or prison time.

SNAP scams

SNAP fraud can also occur when criminals steal SNAP benefits for their own personal gain via card skimming, card cloning and other scams, often involving high-tech tools. Federal agencies, along with state and local law enforcement, work aggressively to identify and prevent these scams that prey on Americans in need. Through sophisticated investigative techniques and coordinated sting operations, investigators stop fraudsters in their tracks. Efforts are also made to educate participants on how to protect themselves from scammers. In addition, ongoing collaboration with states continues to modernize and strengthen technology—including the rollout of chip card technology, the gold standard for secure electronic transactions—to prevent fraud before it happens.

The temporary end of the government shutdown is welcome, but the illegal use of these benefits must halt so that people who truly need them can continue to receive aid.

The USDA says you can report fraud anonymously. Contact your state. This is especially important if you think someone lied about their income or assets or is misusing their benefits. Call (800) 424-9121; (202) 690-1622; 711 (voice and TDD)

(Kyle Lovern is a longtime journalist in the Tug Valley. He is now a retired freelance writer and columnist for the Mountain Citizen.)