Where the fight goes next is anyone’s guess, but the eruption of discourse about food stamps has been influenced by a disruptive new force: generative AI, and specifically OpenAI’s Sora 2, the video generation engine responsible for filling social media with
incredibly realistic fake clips.
One clip clearly labeled with a Sora watermark nabbed nearly 500,000 views on TikTok alone. It shows a Black woman explaining to a local news reporter how she “sells” her government assistance for cash. “Imma keep it real with you, I get over $2,500 a month in stamps,” the AI-generated woman explains. “I sell ’em, $2,000 worth, for about $1,200-1,500 cash.”
Most social media users replying in the comments appear oblivious to the fact that it’s AI.
Even more troubling are those who realize it’s AI, but run with it anyway.
A new low.
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NAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) fraud involving unauthorized sharing of EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card numbers and PINs often occurs when recipients intentionally allow or enable others to access their benefits, typically in exchange for cash or other valuable consideration.
This provides unreported (and untaxed) income that the illicit seller can use for any purpose.
This is distinct from theft or skimming, focusing on recipient-initiated assignment to unauthorized users.
Based on reports from the USDA, state investigations, and law enforcement, here are key known techniques:
1. Direct Verbal or Written Disclosure
Recipients share their EBT card number (usually the 16-19 digit track number on the back) and 4-digit PIN verbally, via text, email, or notes.
This is simple and low-tech, often done in person or over phone to family, friends, or acquaintances who then use the details for purchases at authorized retailers.
It's prevalent in close-knit communities where the recipient trades access for immediate cash (e.g., selling 50-100% of benefits value).
2. Physical Card Handover with PIN Instruction
The recipient physically gives the EBT card to an unauthorized person, either temporarily or permanently, while providing the PIN separately (e.g., written on a slip or memorized).
This allows direct swiping at point-of-sale terminals.
Investigations show this in cases where recipients "lend" cards to non-household members, violating federal rules that limit use to the authorized household.
3. Proxy Shopping Arrangements
Recipients disclose card details to a trusted intermediary (e.g., a store clerk or delivery service) who makes purchases on their behalf but skims off benefits for unauthorized parties.
The recipient might provide the number and PIN remotely via app or call, enabling the proxy to assign access further down the chain.
This technique exploits online grocery programs like those integrated with SNAP.
4. Digital Sharing via mobile apps or messaging
Using encrypted apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Signal) or unsecure SMS, recipients transmit card numbers and PINs to unauthorized users, sometimes with screenshots of the card.
This has risen with mobile EBT apps, where recipients screenshot balance screens including partial numbers, completing the share verbally.
Federal audits note this in urban areas with high smartphone penetration.
5. Trafficking Through Cash Conversion
Recipients collude with unauthorized persons to convert EBT benefits to cash at inflated rates (e.g., $1 EBT = $0.50 cash), sharing details for bulk transactions at stores.
The unauthorized user inputs the number and PIN at checkout, often in coordinated visits to avoid detection.
USDA reports highlight this in organized rings where recipients act as "middlemen."
These methods are substantiated by USDA Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigations, which in 2023 documented over 1,000 trafficking cases involving recipient sharing, leading to $100+ million in disallowed benefits.
States like California and New York have prosecuted hundreds annually using transaction logs to trace unauthorized PIN entries.
