The Misuse Of Electronic Benefits Transfer - 2287 Words

1) What is the social problem? The social problem that I am addressing is the misuse of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, which is also identified as Welfare Fraud and SNAP Trafficking. Throughout the years, our government has changed the way food stamps have been administered. It was shown that the paper form of food stamps created social stigma and embarrassment, the electronic form of food stamps was said to remove such stigma as well as reduce fraud and theft (Zekeri, 2004). While the change was made to the electronic form, we have noted that recipients feel more comfortable using their cards but it still has not eliminated the fraud and theft portion of the reform. 2) How is the social problem defined? By whom? a) Who are†¦show more content†¦Among the states, there has been a creation of welfare fraud acts and multiple implementations of policies. b) What is the magnitude of the social condition/problem (locally, statewide, nationally)? In Washington State, the Office of Fraud and Accountability was created in order to conduct fraud investigations statewide. In our state, EBT cards are identified as Quest Cards, in recent times; officials have targeted businesses where cards were being misused. With the Washington Welfare Fraud Law enacted, police officials have required certain establishments to alter their ATM’s so that recipients who try to withdraw cash from their EBT cards are denied. (Sebebs, 2013). Nationwide, the misuse of the Electronic Benefits Transfer Cards is only a portion of the many fraudulent acts commitment by welfare recipients in the states. Buying or selling EBT cards is a federal crime, which is implemented in all states. The United States has also collaborated with Canada for The United Council on Welfare Fraud. The UCOWF is made up of various roles such as investigators, workers and claim writers from local, state and federal agencies in the United States and Canada (Gazso, 2010). 3) What are the statistics (from official and unofficial reports) concerning the social condition? a) What are the identified causes of the social condition? According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the most recent data