USDA taking steps to crack down on food stamp fraud - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

USDA taking steps to crack down on food stamp fraud

Posted:
WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) -

The government is trying to crack down on food stamp recipients who are ripping off taxpayers by illegally selling their benefit cards for cash.

The Agriculture Department wants to curb the practice by giving states more power to investigate people who repeatedly claim to lose their benefit cards and then ask for replacements.

It is proposing new rules today that would allow states to demand formal explanations from people who seek replacement cards more than three times a year. Those who don't comply can be denied further cards.

USDA officials say they are even getting complaints of people using web sites like eBay and Craigslist to buy and sell food stamps.

Food stamp fraud costs taxpayers about $750 million a year, or 1 percent of the $75 billion program.

Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and KTIV Television Inc. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance with issues relating to the content of this station's public inspection file should contact Administrative Assistant Kathy Clayton at (712) 239-4100 x209. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, at 888-835-5322 (TTY) or at fccinfo@fcc.gov.