Cumberland County officials address rise in card skimming affecting local residents

The Cumberland County Commissioners held a work session on March 11, 2025, focusing on the rising issue of food benefit fraud affecting local residents. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for assistance and long-term solutions to combat these crimes, which have left many families struggling to access food.

During the session, officials discussed the impact of skimming devices used at point-of-sale locations, which have led to significant losses in food benefits for residents. A representative emphasized the importance of raising awareness about these crimes and urged the community to inform congressional leaders about the need for replacement benefits and preventive measures.

The county is currently collaborating with nonprofit agencies and Rural Development to provide immediate support to affected families. Officials noted that while state and federal relief is not available at this time, local efforts are underway to assist those in need. They expressed gratitude for the cooperation of Rural Development in addressing the crisis.

Documentation requirements for residents seeking assistance were also outlined. Individuals must provide a written statement detailing their lost benefits, along with their case number. The county is investigating the incidents and working with law enforcement to identify patterns and locations of the fraud.

The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts among various agencies to tackle the issue, with a focus on future technological solutions, such as an app to lock and unlock benefits cards and the introduction of chip cards to enhance security.

As the community grapples with this ongoing challenge, officials remain committed to finding solutions and supporting residents affected by food benefit fraud. The next steps include further investigation into the incidents and continued collaboration with law enforcement to prevent future occurrences.