Sunset Park’s Chinese community faces dual challenges of SNAP theft and benefit cutbacks

In Sunset Park, reports of stolen or skimmed food stamp (SNAP) benefits have continued to surface in recent years. Since the federal government ended its reimbursement program for stolen benefits, many affected families have no way to recover their lost funds. At the same time, new federal rules tightening eligibility threaten to exclude even more people. Some residents have already given up applying, frustrated by increasingly complicated procedures.

SNAP theft remains widespread

At a recent workshop in Sunset Park on preventing SNAP theft, Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Jessie Leung explained that thieves typically install skimming devices on card readers to capture EBT card data, clone the cards, or make unauthorized withdrawals remotely. “Because the benefit cards lack chip protection, criminals can directly access users’ monthly funds,” she said. Scammers also impersonate government or agency staff through phone calls, text messages, or emails to trick victims into sharing personal information.

Nicole Huang, president of the nonprofit New York Mutual Aid, which has helped countless victims file claims, said SNAP card thefts have repeatedly hit the neighborhood since 2022, with incidents peaking at regular intervals. The latest wave came in July, when the group handled 187 cases. She added that data leaks from relevant agencies cannot be ruled out. “Otherwise, it’s hard to explain how, within 30 to 60 minutes of funds being deposited overnight, they’re immediately withdrawn by criminals. The government keeps pouring money in, but it’s going straight into the thieves’ pockets,” said Huang. “We have to fix the problem at its source.”

Prevention tools fall short

Since the federal government eliminated reimbursement for SNAP theft, prevention is now virtually the only option available to beneficiaries. The only officially endorsed safeguard is the “ebtEDGE” mobile app, which allows users to freeze their cards when not in use and unfreeze them only before making a purchase—significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized transactions.

But Huang noted that many elderly Chinese residents are not fluent in English or familiar with smartphones. “Some people press the wrong buttons and accidentally delete their cards, which means they have to reapply for a new one through the main SNAP office, a very complicated process,” Huang said.

She also criticized poor coordination among law enforcement agencies: “They often pass responsibility back and forth. In all these years, I’ve only heard of one case where someone actually managed to get a police report and that was on Long Island.”

Still, Huang believes collecting key data from victims can help identify trends and support future investigations. “For example, the skimming used to happen mostly out of state, but now we’re seeing it in the Bronx,” she said, urging victims to report cases to federal agencies so the system can be improved.

Stricter rules, fewer applicants

According to recent federal announcements, beginning November 3, SNAP applicants must show proof of steady employment or participation in a job-training program. Under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” some lawful non-citizens will also lose eligibility. New York State has estimated that as many as 300,000 city residents could lose access to food assistance once the rule takes effect.

Huang said many residents have already faced stricter verification requirements this year. “They’re asked to attend in-person interviews and answer so many questions that some people just give up—they say it’s too much trouble or they’re afraid to apply,” she said. “It’s especially hard for those between 55 and 65 who have disabilities or can’t find work. I worry most about them.”