Rep. Vince Fong (R–Bakersfield) has proposed a bill to crack down on EBT theft.
Rep. David Valadao (R–Hanford), Rep. Young Kim (R–Anaheim Hills) and Rep. Addison McDowell (R–NC) co-sponsored the bill.
The big picture: The Stopping Klepto-card and Identity Misuse (SKIM) Act would order the U.S. Attorney General to coordinate federal, state and local efforts against access device fraud.
- EBT criminals would also face increased prison sentences for using fake-cards or ID-making tools, under the bill, and it would require comprehensive best practices to help identify and prevent future fraud.
Why it matters: Around $440 million in EBT benefits have been stolen since 2021 in California alone, with the theft increasing from less than $100,000 per month to over $10 million.
- EBT thieves have hit Kern County recently, with the Kern County District Attorney’s Office reporting over $2 million in theft over the last seven months.
What they’re saying: “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,” Fong said. “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.”
- Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer commended Fong for introducing the SKIM Act.
- “A system meant to support families in need is being exploited by individuals driven by greed,” Zimmer said. “This illegal activity not only undermines vital assistance programs but also harms vulnerable communities.”
- Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp said she strongly supports the SKIM Act.
- “Criminals are increasingly using devices at ATMs, gas pumps and retail terminals to steal consumers’ financial data and personal information,” Smittcamp said. “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.”
