(WHTM) — Money is disappearing from Pennsylvania SNAP accounts, and officials are trying to find out why.

People have made multiple reports Thursday about losing hundreds, and in some cases, up to a thousand dollars in benefits from their SNAP accounts.

When they try contacting their local PA Assistance Office, they are reportedly told that there is nothing they can do to get their money back at the moment and that they must work with their local food bank to get groceries.

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services spokesperson Brandon Cwalina says it takes time to verify that a recipient’s benefits were stolen. After verification benefits are restored within 30 days. He says as of June 30, 2024, 7,913 stolen benefit claim forms were submitted and the department reassured more than 1.5 million dollars in benefits to claims that were verified.

Cwalina says skimming devices are one of the primary ways benefits are being stolen. He says retailers and customers should check point of sale devices to make sure there are no skimming attachments.

“It’s a device that goes over top of a point of sale machine, so when you swipe your card through it, it copies your card information and that’s how thieves are able to steal your SNAP benefits because they’ve essentially stolen your card information,” Cwalina says.

There is an ongoing investigation into the matter, a spokesperson for the Office of State Inspector General confirmed.

Cwalina says those affected should call law enforcement and the DHS office right away. He says theft claims need to be submitted within 60 days. Forms are available online and at local county assistance offices.

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This isn’t the first scam to attack SNAP users. In February, the Department of Human Services warned about a phishing email scam that was trying to get users’ personal information.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

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