BOSTON – A Colombian woman, unlawfully residing in Boston, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for identity theft offenses, including receiving rental assistance, Social Security and SNAP benefi...

#KashPatel #SNAPFraud #USDA #SomaliFraud #FBI #FraudCase #BreakingNews #Minnesota #FeedingOurFuture #USNews #CrimeNews #Justice #FederalInvestigation #Somalia

Episode Summary In this episode of Upwardly Mobile, we investigate a growing financial crisis affecting the nation’s most vulnerable families. The USDA now estimates that up to $12 billion is stolen annually from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). We explore how transnational criminal rings are using sophisticated technology—from physical skimmers to brute-force cyberattacks—to drain EBT cards in seconds. We also break down why the government’s latest solution—mobile apps that allow users to "lock" their cards—is failing to stop the theft. We analyze the technical vulnerabilities of the legacy magstripe system and explain why app-based controls are often bypassed by backend fraud and race conditions. This episode is sponsored by https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fapproov.io%2F. Mobile apps are now the front door to critical services, but as we discuss in this episode, they are only as strong as the security frameworks behind them. Approov provides comprehensive mobile app protection, ensuring that the requests hitting your API are from genuine apps running on untampered devices. Key Topics & Takeaways: • The Scale of the Problem: Federal investigators estimate that SNAP fraud has hit all-time highs, potentially reaching $12 billion annually. Georgia alone reported nearly $23 million stolen in just the first quarter of 2025. • How the Fraud Works: Criminals are utilizing advanced skimming technology and "brute force" software that can guess a four-digit PIN in less than a second. The Secret Service notes that these are often transnational organized crime groups capable of working easily across borders. • The "Lock" Feature Failure: Many states, including Georgia, encouraged users to download apps like ConnectEBT to "lock" their cards. However, users like Sheria Robertson report having funds stolen mere minutes after unlocking the app to make a purchase. • The Technical Vulnerability: The core issue is that EBT cards still rely on legacy magnetic stripe technology rather than secure chips (EMV). Because the backend system relies on static track data and a PIN, the mobile app’s "lock" feature is often bypassed by race conditions or bot attacks on IVR systems. • Bot Attacks: Cybercriminals are using bots to hammer IVR systems to check balances and time their withdrawals the moment funds are deposited. Featured Stories & Data: • Victim Spotlight: Sheria Robertson, a single mother who lost her Thanksgiving food budget to thieves in Brooklyn, NY, despite being in Georgia and using the app's security features. • Investigator Insight: Mark Haskins from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service explains that criminals are "taking it to the next level" with cyber and brute force attacks. • State Data: Top states for reported fraud include Georgia, New York, and California. Relevant Links & Resources: • USDA SNAP Replacement of Stolen Benefits Dashboard • Report Fraud: USDA Office of Inspector General Hotline [(800) 424-9121] • Technical Deep Dive: https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbreached.company%2Febt-cyberattacks-multi-state-crisis-threatens-food-security-for-millions%2F • News Coverage: https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wsbtv.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fatlanta%2Fgeorgia-officials-say-state-snap-system-subject-cyberattack%2FCRX6VB4INZH2VJNVJ3DPWY3DBQ%2F • Propel App Resource: https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.propel.app%2Febt-theft%2Fhow-are-ebt-benefits-being-stolen%2F Keywords: SNAP fraud, EBT skimming, food stamp theft, mobile app security, Approov, ConnectEBT, cybercrime, magnetic stripe vulnerability, USDA, social safety net, financial fraud, IVR bot attacks.

VA Grocery Store Owner Admits To Multi-Million Dollar Food Stamp Fraud.

New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a Superseding Indictment charging six individuals in connection with a sprawling fraud and bribery sche...

“Why Democrats Fight Tooth & Nail to Block SNAP Audits”“USDA finally got access to state SNAP data for the first time ever.In just 29 states: at least $3 BILLION per year in fraud.Nationwide? Over $10 BILLION.JD Vance nails it: If the fraud rate is really that low, why are Democrats desperately fighting to block transparency and audits?This is your money. Time to clean it up.What do you think — fraud or incompetence? 👇”#SNAPFraud• #TaxpayerMoney• #GovernmentWaste• #JD Vance #welfarefraud

SNAP overhaul post-government shutdown aims to curb fraud and ensure benefits for those in need.