Rep. Rusty Grills is working to find solutions for families impacted by stolen SNAP, Families First funds

SPECIAL TO THE STATE GAZETTE

NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- State Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, is working with state officials to address ongoing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) theft in West Tennessee.

Rusty Grills represents District 77 which includes Dyer, Lake and part of Obion Counties.

Multiple local families have reported stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Families First funding over the last several weeks. Some of the common types of benefit theft are card skimming and phishing.

“It is incredibly disheartening that scammers and thieves have turned to preying on families in need,” Grills said. “I am working with the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) to see what can be done to help impacted families get their funds back as quickly as possible. For now, I recommend that any family who believes their funds have been stolen file a police report and submit a claim with TDHS. I hope we can get this resolved quickly and efficiently.”

Lisa Chesney, director of The Salvation Army in Dyersburg, says she has received over 100 calls and Facebook messages regarding the stolen food stamps in the community.

"The saddest part about this is whoever is responsible is targeting our most vulnerable population including our elderly, families with children, and new mothers with babies," said Lisa. "This is a terrible situation. We are doing everything we can at the Salvation Army to provide for those in need of food who have been affected. In addition, resource lists are being distributed so that those in need of food can access the other agencies within our community that offer it."

"It’s so important at this time for those with SNAP and Families first to check their accounts daily for fraudulent charges," added Chesney. "It is also necessary that we check on our elderly family members, friends, and neighbors who may not have the ability to access their accounts. By calling the number on the back of the EBT to hear the last transactions. I want to thank Rusty Grills and his office for their rapid response to this problem."

TDHS asks impacted families to report the theft and fraud on their website: https://tn/gov/humanservices/need-help/tdhs-fraud.html.

Families First, Tennessee’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, helps participants reach the goal of self-sufficiency by providing temporary cash assistance, transportation, child care assistance, educational support, job training, employment activities and other support services.

For more information on Families First and eligibility, visit the TDHS website here.

Impacted families are encouraged to reach out to Rep. Grills at rep.rusty.grills@capitol.tn.gov if they have any questions or concerns.