‘I just couldn’t believe it,’ Mother out of more than a thousand dollars in SNAP benefits, with no option for reimbursement

FARMVILLE, Va. (WRIC) — A Farmville mother who fell victim to EBT fraud is hoping lawmakers will reimplement funding to help families get their funds reimbursed. Nikita Cook, takes care of seven children and getting food on the table everyday is made easier by the nearly $1,800 she receives in SNAP EBT funds. Cook started the year by making her first grocery store run totaling a little more than $100. When her family went to make their second purchase of the month, she realized only two dollars was left in her account. (Courtesy of 8News - Rolynn Wilson) “I just couldn't believe it," said Cook. Wondering where more than $1,500 dollars could have went, Cook quickly found her answer when she checked her account. Here, she found several out-of-state purchases made in the middle of the night. She quickly called the social services department to report the fraudulent charges. “What even blew my mind more was when I called to tell them, they said there was nothing they could do about it," said Cook. The only advice she says she was given was to file a police report, which she did. However, she was expecting to be reimbursed for the money that was stolen. If this happened to her before December 20, 2024 she would have been. Starting December 21, 2024 the federal program that reimbursed stolen or missing SNAP EBT benefits ended. Leaving states the option to use state funds to reimburse families. According to the Virginia Department of Social Services, the Commonwealth does not have the funding to replace EBT benefits. (Courtesy of 8News - Rolynn Wilson) 8News reached out to Senator Tim Kaine and Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan. They both tell us they continue to receive complaints about EBT fraud. “We need to get a farm bill and that will be a priority of mine in the farm bill is to restore the idea of reimbursement," said Kaine. Congresswoman McClellan previously pushed for an extension to continue reimbursement. However, their office says that deal was scrapped. Now, she says she is continuing to work to address reimbursement and security issues on the federal level. How to protect yourself from EBT scams: Do not respond to unsolicited texts, emails or phone calls concerning your EBT account Routinely check your EBT card balance for unauthorized purchases  Change your pin often Create a strong password for your client portal account and mobile app Do not give your EBT card, card number, password, or PIN to anyone not authorized to use your card Examine card payment devices