[xrp]

I understand the article, especially when I walk out of the grocery store and see the woman getting into a brand new car...the same woman who was in front of me in the grocery line, with gold teeth, a cell phone -- and using food stamps or the EBT card.

[PleaseNoMore]

What is an EBT card and how do you know that someone is using one?

[LasVegasMac]

with gold teeth

That's her cash reserve, dummy!

LVM

[PleaseNoMore]

What is an EBT card? How do you know if someone is using one?

[netmilsmom]

And she bought steak and Chicken Voila while I'm eating tuna and burger.

[steve86]

I walk out of the grocery store and see the woman getting into a brand new car...

I don't doubt that you saw that, but in my state they aggressively investigate and prosecute individuals who fradulently apply for benefits (including not declaring income or assets). This includes stake-outs and neighbor interviews (the last part seems kind of over the top). I understand that these things vary alot from state to state. There will be abusers who get away with things in any state.

In my own city, a welfare office exists on a busy corner and I have observed the parking lot. I would not say it looks like a new car lot; more like the seediest used car lot in town. The employee cars, however, parked on one side are in noticeably better condition but still not extravagant.

The EBT cards were implemented to reduce fraud and improve accountbility. But with the assistance of a corrupt store employee various kinds of theft and kickbacks can be arranged (there was a thread on that earlier today). I don't know about the cell phone; a mobile phone is really a necessity nowadays with kids, etc. I am a cheapskate and pay only $8/month for service on my Tracfone mostly for emergencies. Now unlimited plans or digital cable are another thing.

[yarddog]

First of all, I have absolutely no problem with the elderly or diabled using food stamps, in fact I am glad they have them.

What frosts me tho is seeing young very affluent ones using them. I will never forget the time I was in line behind a couple in Norfolk, VA. They were Black but just had the look of wealth. They bought over two hundred dollars worth of meat and paid for it with food stamps.

I followed them out and noticed they got into a new Alfa Romeo sports car.

[SouthernFreebird]

I walk out of the grocery store and see the woman getting into a brand new car...the same woman who was in front of me in the grocery line, with gold teeth, a cell phone -- and using food stamps or the EBT card.

what a snoop you are...you check out the womans teeth... scope out how she pays, check for any cell phones then follow her out to the parking lot to see what she gets into. Goodness gracious and now your here insinuating shes a fraud.

For all you know she is a home health worker who just bought the groceries for some housebound elderly person she takes care of. I guess a good thought never crossed your mind. I think thats more telling of your nature.

[the tongue]

Here's my favorite grocery store story:(This was back in my struggling days, when the wife and I had one kid and tried to take it easy on food, buying basic, though nutrionally complete, food for ourselves and child) The woman in front of me paid for her groceries with her EBT card. In her bags were steaks, fresh veggies, seafood, cigarettes, the works. When she left, and we were paying for our hot dogs, ground chuck, and store brand raisin bran, the cashier showed me the previous woman's receipt, which contained the balance of money in her "account" as well as the amount of her purchases. Her purchase: $224. Her "balance": $1243!! (She still had $1243 to spend on food!! What the hell is that?) My wife and I paid our bill ($83) with cash, and I ranted alllll the way home about that.