[meyer]

I don’t know where they come up with that number, but it’s way, way off. Figure more like 20-50% IMHO. How many people buy goods only to resell them for cash? How many people sell their card to someone else for cash?

[TexasGator]

” How many people buy goods only to resell them for cash? “

Family puts one adult on food stamps and uses that to stock the ‘family store’!

[Gasshog]

I’m Impressed

expected something more like not a smidgen of fraud.

[ETCM]

Depending on how widely or narrowly you define fraud. Include those who work under the table, deal drugs, or have some other type of income that would reduce or eliminate the benefit? Rate goes up. Include those who trade or sell their food or benefit for money, drugs, etc? Rate goes up. Include those who shop at stores that illegally sell cigarettes, liquor and other prohibited items for EBT funds? Rate goes up. Include those who are fully capable of working full time, but work part time or not at all because they would rather take the handouts? 50% or more is certainly possible.

Want to make the fraud rate 1.3 percent? Only include those you catch in the act of fraud, and don't look for it.