Exploitation of SNAP: The Dark Side of Food Assistance

This chapter reveals the alarming ways in which cyber criminals exploit the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to commit fraud, detailing the ease of accessing personal identifiable information. It discusses the operations of criminal groups, particularly from Romania, who manipulate the system to steal benefits and sell products not provided. The chapter also highlights the devastating impact of benefit theft on low-income families and the uncertain legislative responses aimed at providing support.