Houstonians struggle with stolen SNAP benefits as Texas responds to rising fraud cases

HOUSTON - Two Houston women are speaking out about their struggles with stolen SNAP benefits after their Lone Star cards were compromised.

Cedricett Longoria tells FOX 26 that she discovered her SNAP benefits, totaling over $500, had been stolen and used at a business in Houston. While calling the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) office to report the theft, she found she wasn’t alone. Several others were also there with similar complaints.

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Longoria was told that if her benefits were stolen after December 21, 2024, they could not be recovered, as federal funding had expired.

"There was nothing I can do," Longoria said. "I even asked for emergency food stamps, and they said no."

FOX 26 attempted to contact the business, but the listed phone number and website were inoperable. 

Darielle Godfrey, a single mother of five children and a University of Houston student, says she also fell victim to fraud. While shopping at her local Walmart, Godfrey’s benefits were drained by multiple transactions at TroyMart, a now-shuttered corner store in Troy, New York. 11 transactions, each for around $99, wiped out her entire balance. After reporting the theft to the fraud department, she was informed that Texas state policy prohibits the replacement of stolen benefits.

"I googled TroyMart, and it doesn't even exist. You can't even find out who did it," Godfrey said. "Food is already expensive with help...now I'm just taking it day by day."

The incidents highlight the issue of food assistance fraud in Texas, which has become a persistent problem nationwide.

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In response to the fraud complaints, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) tells FOX 26 that it takes the security of clients’ benefits seriously. HHSC provides instructions for reporting stolen or compromised Lone Star Cards on its website, and clients are urged to take steps to prevent fraud, such as regularly monitoring transactions and changing their PINs.

The HHSC also acknowledged the persistent issue of SNAP card skimming, which has affected individuals and families across the country, including in Texas. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has made resources available on its SNAP Skimming Resources webpage to help clients protect themselves.

For those who suspect their benefits have been stolen, HHSC recommends clients immediately call the Lone Star Help Desk to cancel their card and change their PIN. Additionally, fraud can be reported by calling 2-1-1 and selecting option 3 to reach the OIG.

However, HHSC confirmed that as of December 21, 2024, stolen SNAP benefits can no longer be replaced due to the expiration of federal funding.

For more information on how to prevent fraud or report stolen benefits, visit the HHSC website or use the "Your Texas Benefits" mobile app.