Food Stamp Trafficking

What is Food Supplement Trafficking?

Food supplement trafficking is the buying and selling of food supplement benefits for cash or items not authorized under the Food stamp Act of 1977.

Some retailers violate the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by accepting food supplement benefits for cash at less than the actual value or for unauthorized items such as tobacco, alcohol and etc.

In Maryland, food supplement benefits are issued on a debit card (the Independence Card).

The Independence Card (works like a debit card) is used for redeeming Food supplements and cash benefits through the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system. Electronic issuance is done via an authorized ATM or at a point of sale device at an authorized retail store.

Where to report Food Supplement Trafficking:

If you suspect that a client is trafficking his/her Food Supplement benefits, you may use the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Fraud Complaint Form.

If you suspect that a business is buying Food supplement benefits for cash or contraband such as drugs weapons or non-food items, you may contact the US Department of Agriculture Fraud Hotline Site.