Congressman Fong Introduces SKIM Act to Fight EBT Theft and Fraud

WASHINGTON, DC. – Today, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) introduced the Stopping Klepto-card and Identity Misuse Act, known as the SKIM Act – a legislative effort designed to crack down on Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) theft and fraud. This essential lifeline program, designed to support our nation’s most vulnerable, has been overtaken by organized crime organizations and bad actors who relentlessly exploit and drain its resources from those it is meant to serve.

The EBT system, which is administered by state agencies under the oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, delivers assistance such as SNAP and TANF through a debit-style card. These cards have increasingly become ripe targets for fraud. According to the California Department of Social Services, over $439 million in EBT benefits have been stolen since 2021 – rising from under $100,000 a month to over $10 million – proving that current penalties do not deter criminals. According to the Kern County District Attorney’s office, more than $2 million in taxpayer dollars have been stolen locally in the last seven months alone.

“Criminals who steal from children, families, and the elderly must be held accountable, and we must protect taxpayers from those who commit public assistance fraud,” said Congressman Fong. “After more than $2 million in EBT benefits were recently stolen from my district’s most vulnerable residents, I was determined to take action to safeguard the people who rely on these critical benefits, and crack down on those who would rob them.”

The SKIM Act aims to address this rampant fraud by directing the U.S. Attorney General to coordinate federal, state, and local efforts against access device fraud, increase prison sentences for those using fake cards or ID-making tools, and require comprehensive best practices to help identify and prevent future fraud.

“A system meant to support families in need is being exploited by individuals driven by greed,” said Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer. “This illegal activity not only undermines vital assistance programs but also harms vulnerable communities. I commend Congressman Fong for stepping up to ensure this program serves those it was intended to help by working to hold criminals accountable.” 

“I strongly support Congressman Fong’s SKIM Act, which takes critical steps to address the alarming rise in access device fraud and the exploitation of skimming technology,” said Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp. “Criminals are increasingly using devices at ATMs, gas pumps, and retail terminals to steal consumers’ financial data and personal information. This legislation will empower law enforcement to better investigate and prosecute these crimes by strengthening sentencing guidelines and improving federal-state coordination. It is a necessary tool to help us keep pace with the evolving threats of the digital age and protect our communities from identity theft and financial exploitation.”

The SKIM Act is co-sponsored by Congressman David Valadao (CA-22), Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40), and Congressman Addison McDowell (NC-06).

“SNAP is a critical lifeline that helps low-income families put food on their tables,” said Congressman Valadao. “Unfortunately, criminals exploit weaknesses in the EBT system by using skimming devices at grocery stores and gas pumps to steal benefits from those who need them most. It’s unacceptable, and I’m proud to work with Congressman Fong to hold these criminals accountable.”

“Scammers exploiting the EBT system are the worst kind of evil, not only wasting taxpayer dollars but stealing vital benefits meant to help our most vulnerable,” said Congresswoman Kim. “The SKIM Act toughens penalties and strengthens law enforcement coordination to crack down on these bad actors, save taxpayer dollars, and ensure public assistance goes to those who actually need it.” 

“If you’re skimming cards, you’re stealing, plain and simple,” said Congressman McDowell. “But if you’re skimming EBT, you’re not just taking money, you’re taking food out of a child’s mouth. This bill cracks down hard on criminals. We’re raising penalties and demanding real accountability from the DOJ. No more looking the other way. I’m proud to stand with Congressman Vince Fong on the SKIM Act.” 

For more information, please read the full bill text here.