Rep. Derek Schmidt Joins Effort to Crack Down on EBT Fraud

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) announced that he is cosponsoring the SKIM Act, legislation to crack down on rampant EBT card and identity fraud and protect government benefits from criminals.

The SKIM Act strengthens coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement, increases prison sentences for criminals using fake cards, and establishes best practices to help identify and prevent future fraud.

"Americans who receive government benefits shouldn't have to worry about criminals stealing the help they rely on, and taxpayers need to know their hard-earned tax dollars are not being stolen from government programs," said Congressman Schmidt. "We need to protect taxpayers, safeguard benefits, and hold those who commit fraud accountable."

The problem is significant: USDA reported that more than $220 million in SNAP benefits were stolen through EBT card skimming, cloning, and similar methods during fiscal years 2023 and 2024, with those benefits subsequently replaced using federal funds.

The SKIM Act builds on Congressman Schmidt's ongoing effort to fight fraud, protect Americans from scams, and safeguard taxpayer dollars. Rep. Schmidt has previously cosponsored legislation including:

• H.R. 7548 - SCAM Act, which takes aim at fraudulent and deceptive commercial advertisements online.
• H.R. 3469 - Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act, which would provide tax relief to victims who suffer losses from crimes, scams, and disasters.
• H.R. 8601 - Veterans Protection from Fraud Act, which strengthens protections for veterans from fraud.
• H.R. 2978 - GUARD Act, which works to protect aging retirees from deception and financial exploitation.
• H.R. 6425 - National Strategy for Combating Scams Act, which would establish a national strategy to combat scams. Rep. Schmidt is a co-lead of the bill.
• H.R. 6426 - STOP Scams Against Seniors Act, which would strengthen efforts to combat scams targeting seniors.

Protecting taxpayers and fighting fraud has been a top priority throughout Schmidt's public service. As Kansas Attorney General, he recovered more than $1.5 billion for Kansas consumers and taxpayers, including over $660 million in consumer protection and antitrust cases, $120 million in Medicaid fraud recoveries, and millions more in insurance, securities, and criminal fraud enforcement.

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