Feds: Food stamps swapped for booze, Viagra

[orangetaffy]

"The alleged scheme worked this way: Food stamp recipients would get cash from the store in exchange for swiping larger amounts off their electronic cards. The store would then be reimbursed by the U.S. Agriculture Department."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33251925/ns/us_news-weird_news

I wasn't sure where to put this, but I found it interesting. I dont understand how a food stamp card could be used at a liquor store? When I see people use these cards, the register automatically sorts out what can and cannot be purchased. Items not covered by food stamps must then be paid via another method.

[dinojen]

"The alleged scheme worked this way: Food stamp recipients would get cash from the store in exchange for swiping larger amounts off their electronic cards. The store would then be reimbursed by the U.S. Agriculture Department."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33251925/ns/us_news-weird_news

I wasn't sure where to put this, but I found it interesting. I dont understand how a food stamp card could be used at a liquor store? When I see people use these cards, the register automatically sorts out what can and cannot be purchased. Items not covered by food stamps must then be paid via another method.



Nothing surprises me any longer... honestly... people can find a way to scam any system.

I like you have seen people in line at the grocery store buying items and at the end.. they get a receipt of what is due for payment that was not covered by WIC or food stamps... I am beginning to think nothing is fool proof any longer.. but BOOZE and VIAGRA.. shows where their priorities are...:rolleyes: JMOOC... Please tell me they don't have children that are going without so they can purchase these items.

[desmom]

"The alleged scheme worked this way: Food stamp recipients would get cash from the store in exchange for swiping larger amounts off their electronic cards. The store would then be reimbursed by the U.S. Agriculture Department."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33251925/ns/us_news-weird_news

I wasn't sure where to put this, but I found it interesting. I dont understand how a food stamp card could be used at a liquor store? When I see people use these cards, the register automatically sorts out what can and cannot be purchased. Items not covered by food stamps must then be paid via another method.

I believe those registers are programmed by the stores, so the checkers will not have to know or learn the list of what a food card will or will not cover.

New Hampshire DHS site, http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/FOODSTAMPS/FAQs/default.htm lists "ice and water for human consumption" as an eligible expense and something that would be sold in a liquor store. It is probably the same across the country.

jmo

[LisaM22]

"The alleged scheme worked this way: Food stamp recipients would get cash from the store in exchange for swiping larger amounts off their electronic cards. The store would then be reimbursed by the U.S. Agriculture Department."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33251925/ns/us_news-weird_news

I wasn't sure where to put this, but I found it interesting. I dont understand how a food stamp card could be used at a liquor store? When I see people use these cards, the register automatically sorts out what can and cannot be purchased. Items not covered by food stamps must then be paid via another method.

some of the poor scam food stamps, some of the rich scam the system too, we already know that, this is nothing new

[orangetaffy]

some of the poor scam food stamps, some of the rich scam the system too, we already know that

I wasnt disputing that issue. I just didnt understand how it could be done now that actual "stamps" arent used. I guess I am niave, I thought the new system would have prevented this type of thing. Having never been in a liquor store, I didnt realize they would even sell anything that could be purchased with food stamps, so was surprised to see them being abused at such a location.

[AlohaRainbow]

*snip*
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33251925/ns/us_news-weird_news

I wasn't sure where to put this, but I found it interesting. I dont understand how a food stamp card could be used at a liquor store? When I see people use these cards, the register automatically sorts out what can and cannot be purchased. Items not covered by food stamps must then be paid via another method.
liquor stores (at least the ones here in hawaii) often sell food stamp eligible items such as potato chips and other snacks, soft drinks, candy, and convenience foods such as canned goods (chili, ravioli, etc).

[Jayne]

People have been scamming the food stamp system for years. Often scammers receive food stamps and sell them for 1/2 price for quick cash and the money goes for drugs.

imo

YEP they have.

[Jayne]

I wasnt disputing that issue. I just didnt understand how it could be done now that actual "stamps" arent used. I guess I am niave, I thought the new system would have prevented this type of thing. Having never been in a liquor store, I didnt realize they would even sell anything that could be purchased with food stamps, so was surprised to see them being abused at such a location.

They don't...the person receiving the benefits..gets a card..with an "amount"..and it can only be used for certain foods...the card will not accept Liquor, tobacco, etc.

But..that doesn't stop a person from using their card to buy "food" for another person..then get Cash to go use it for liquor, etc. The "Buyer" gets twice the amount (or whatever) in groceries..and the "Seller" gets half (or whatever) the amount in cash..to spend as s/he wishes. the system will never know..since the card was only used in the "regulated" places and for the allowed reasons. Even if requiring a "fingerprint"..it won't matter..the Deal can be made outside in the parking lot or somewhere else. (I've observed this happening on a few occasions..but for my safety..I kept "out of it".)

Liquor stores (as in 7/11..convenience stores)..can accept (well..some I know of)..food stamps..for "food"..i.e. Milk, packaged food, etc. BUT not Liquor or tobacco. You're right..if you live in a state like PA..where there are State Stores..there is nothing there but Liquor (maybe cigarettes).

jmo

J

[phylcore]

So true,it has been going on for a long time but it wasn't right then and it is not right now.

[Jayne]

And thats the truth. Nothing new. Actually, if I were living in a rat infested hovel, I might need a drink too.



Your post made me "laugh and smile"..because it is SO TRUE!

AND..so Sad. I believe I have a much better understanding these days as to why people hide behind alcohol, drugs, etc. when their life is So Low that they just feel they can't get beyond it..and no matter how hard they may try..they're pushing the boulder up the hill only to have it roll back down. That's no excuse..mind you..I don't mean that at all.

There is NO EXCUSE for any housing development..whether Section 8 or whatever..to be rat infested, roach infested, broken windows, etc.

I wish Obama would put his NPP monies into the Charity...HUD...for fixing up the broken down projects..turn them around. People can't live 24/7 in a place that is horrible..(better than the street, I suppose..but that's not my point)...and be expected to have the wherewithall to keep moving forward..IF there is nothing to move forward to - such as Employment, Education.

Granted..many have risen above those situations..on their own or with a little help from their friends..but there are so many who are STUCK in that environment. (And..I suppose..many choose to live there..with the food stamps, welfare, government help..but I don't believe it is ALL of them by any means.)

nuff said

jmo

J

[AlohaRainbow]

*snip*
There is NO EXCUSE for any housing development..whether Section 8 or whatever..to be rat infested, roach infested, broken windows, etc.

I wish Obama would put his NPP monies into the Charity...HUD...for fixing up the broken down projects..turn them around. People can't live 24/7 in a place that is horrible..(better than the street, I suppose..but that's not my point)...and be expected to have the wherewithall to keep moving forward..IF there is nothing to move forward to - such as Employment, Education.

Granted..many have risen above those situations..on their own or with a little help from their friends..but there are so many who are STUCK in that environment. (And..I suppose..many choose to live there..with the food stamps, welfare, government help..but I don't believe it is ALL of them by any means.)

nuff said

jmo

J
imo, part of what has happened is that those on section 8 and/or living in low income housing "projects" have come to expect that the government is responsbile to do and provide almost everything for them.

if it were me running things ( :biggrin: ), part of the responsbility for upkeep in section 8 and other low income projects would be placed on the residents. in exchange for living there at such reduced rents, each resident would be required to donate some of their time and skills to help clean up the common areas (the grounds, stairwells and staircases that often reek of urine, etc)...

imo, garden plots should be encouraged so tenants can grow some of their own veggies and fruits

and those who are able-bodied could learn skills by being required to help replace broken windows and do other repairs (plumbing, light carpentry, painting ovr grafitti, etc) with supplies bought by the government (or donated by charities) and with oversight by experienced carpenters, painters, etc. that would help: reduce the cost of fixing up, somewhat reduce the need for major renovations (since hopefully, things would be fixed at an early stage) and just as importantly, help those tenants develop specific job skills and self-esteem through actually accomplishing tasks.

sort of a "teach them to fish" rather than giving them a fish.

[orangetaffy]

imo, part of what has happened is that those on section 8 and/or living in low income housing "projects" have come to expect that the government is responsbile to do and provide almost everything for them.

if it were me running things ( :biggrin: ), part of the responsbility for upkeep in section 8 and other low income projects would be placed on the residents. in exchange for living there at such reduced rents, each resident would be required to donate some of their time and skills to help clean up the common areas (the grounds, stairwells and staircases that often reek of urine, etc)...

imo, garden plots should be encouraged so tenants can grow some of their own veggies and fruits

and those who are able-bodied could learn skills by being required to help replace broken windows and do other repairs (plumbing, light carpentry, painting ovr grafitti, etc) with supplies bought by the government (or donated by charities) and with oversight by experienced carpenters, painters, etc. that would help: reduce the cost of fixing up, somewhat reduce the need for major renovations (since hopefully, things would be fixed at an early stage) and just as importantly, help those tenants develop specific job skills and self-esteem through actually accomplishing tasks.

sort of a "teach them to fish" rather than giving them a fish.

I sooooo agree. Every few years, our town is asked to donate time and money to help refurbish the subsidized housing units. We all get together and rebuild playgrounds, replace battered doors, broken windows, neglected fences etc. And while town volunteers are busy doing the work, the residents sit in their lawn chairs and watch. Then, within a few short months, screens are torn, fenced demolished, playgrounds trashed by the very residents who will then complain about their living environment.

[RayStar]

First of all I said drugs - not drink. Drugs are illegal.

Second of all - do you really believe that people who orchestrate these scams are living in a rat infested hovel? :lol: That is so hilarious. And true - NOT!

imo I agree with you on the scammers. That's how they can afford the large size homes they have when they have only been in this country for a few years.

[momof6]

And thats the truth. Nothing new. Actually, if I were living in a rat infested hovel, I might need a drink too.

The ladies I see around here on welfare, have fancy clothes, manicured fake finger nails and nice cars. I'am serious. I'm sure there are those that need it and I would not want to see them go hungry. But some of the fancy things I see welfare people have is shocking. As in how do they afford that.

[LisaM22]

I wasnt disputing that issue. I just didnt understand how it could be done now that actual "stamps" arent used. I guess I am niave, I thought the new system would have prevented this type of thing. Having never been in a liquor store, I didnt realize they would even sell anything that could be purchased with food stamps, so was surprised to see them being abused at such a location.

in this case it is the store owner that is corrupt and scamming the system

[LisaM22]

No problem. Let the faith based give up their fake nails, etc. Who knows how many kids a yacht, Mercedes or two would feed.

no doubt...

[LisaM22]

The ladies I see around here on welfare, have fancy clothes, manicured fake finger nails and nice cars. I'am serious. I'm sure there are those that need it and I would not want to see them go hungry. But some of the fancy things I see welfare people have is shocking. As in how do they afford that.

corporate welfare?

even people with good jobs lose them, dress for success doesn't only apply to those who have already found success

[orangetaffy]

in this case it is the store owner that is corrupt and scamming the system

Again, I agree. Not sure why you want to make it appear I am only against those selling. See, I dont play right, left...rich, poor. I play by the "everyone is held to the same standards" rules. IMO, in this case, BOTH the business owner and the one selling the food stamps are criminals. The poor dont get a pass from me when they break the law, anymore than the business owner does. IMO the law applies to everyone.

[Bottrell]

Most states now have gone with the card system. One the card they have access to two thing. Their cash benefits ie: their welfare checks that used to be mailed out and conveniently when this happened the reports of "I just cashed my check and was robbed" reports to police went through the roof because they were allowed to get replacements at that time 3 times in a twelve month period for a cashed "stolen" check.

So now with this system it is like a debit card. Food Stamps on one side and cash on the other side. They can go and withdraw the cash at any atm that they want to or use it to by cigarettes, toilet paper, pay rent anything that the FS don't allow them to buy. I worked in retail and I had called the DSHS when these cards first came out when someone was trying to buy cigs/beer with the cash side of the card. She said it is to be treated just like if they had received and cashed a check they would have cash in hand and would be able to purchase those items.

However what the people do not know is that DSHS can or is supposed to track the purchases that they do in cash in those instances if they don't use the ATM to withdraw their money and use it in stores while buying groceries and if they are buying cigs and beer etc then DSHS can adjust down the amount of their check.

[momof6]

No problem. Let the faith based give up their fake nails, etc. Who knows how many kids a yacht, Mercedes or two would feed.

So you don't have a problem with welfare fraud? That is the topic at hand.

I'm not religious so I don't know what you are getting at when you talk about faith based.
But that is not the topic being discussed.

[momof6]

some of the poor scam food stamps, some of the rich scam the system too, we already know that, this is nothing new

And I resent working hard to take care of my family and these scammers are taking from my family. Taxes are taken from me and given to scammers.

[shiloh2000]

And this surprises you? Not me. People have sold and used their food stamps for a long time.

[momof6]

Clearly, you have a different class of welfare folks then we have.

We have a variety....... I still don't agree with welfare fraud. It's stealing from someone else. Usually the hard workers who pay taxes.

[momof6]

And this surprises you? Not me. People have sold and used their food stamps for a long time.

That is why I have been against the current welfare system for a long time. Some where someone needs to overhaul it.

[shiloh2000]

Your post made me "laugh and smile"..because it is SO TRUE!

AND..so Sad. I believe I have a much better understanding these days as to why people hide behind alcohol, drugs, etc. when their life is So Low that they just feel they can't get beyond it..and no matter how hard they may try..they're pushing the boulder up the hill only to have it roll back down. That's no excuse..mind you..I don't mean that at all.

There is NO EXCUSE for any housing development..whether Section 8 or whatever..to be rat infested, roach infested, broken windows, etc.

I wish Obama would put his NPP monies into the Charity...HUD...for fixing up the broken down projects..turn them around. People can't live 24/7 in a place that is horrible..(better than the street, I suppose..but that's not my point)...and be expected to have the wherewithall to keep moving forward..IF there is nothing to move forward to - such as Employment, Education.

Granted..many have risen above those situations..on their own or with a little help from their friends..but there are so many who are STUCK in that environment. (And..I suppose..many choose to live there..with the food stamps, welfare, government help..but I don't believe it is ALL of them by any means.)

nuff said

jmo

J

bolded mine in color

IMO then tell the people who live there to stop breaking the windows and trashing the place to the point where rats move in.

[shiloh2000]

That is why I have been against the current welfare system for a long time. Some where someone needs to overhaul it.

ITA with all your posts momof6.

[JohnA]

I sooooo agree. Every few years, our town is asked to donate time and money to help refurbish the subsidized housing units. We all get together and rebuild playgrounds, replace battered doors, broken windows, neglected fences etc. And while town volunteers are busy doing the work, the residents sit in their lawn chairs and watch. Then, within a few short months, screens are torn, fenced demolished, playgrounds trashed by the very residents who will then complain about their living environment.


Exactly slums are caused by people houses are not built with obsolescene in mind . home are built to required standards and wrecked by the inhabitants .

many home built with out luxury items and the lowest standard of amenities are well kept and serve as a liveable decent clean home for many years .. its not the projects that are low quality structures its the poeple that inhabit them who have no respect for themselves or others .
much like you see3/4 year old cars with broken windows . torn seating etc .. is that the manufactures fault???

when many cars of the same age ans model are operated and kept in a safeworking condition .

[KaraokeDiva]

And this surprises you? Not me. People have sold and used their food stamps for a long time.This is true...

On a related topic, how many of us must pass drug tests to get our jobs, to pay taxes, which then subsidize the housing and/or living costs of others. Do you think a person should have to pass a drug test to get welfare subsidies? I do...

[Carol25]

Well put, ABC. The 30% figure is due( largely) to the higher amt of donations to chruches by conservatives, and some protest that the $ doesn't help the poor, per se, but I tend to believe it does. Anyway, good post!
Your spin is mindboggling! That really takes effort and imagination. Would you please provide a link for the charity given by conservatives comes from churches?

[withay]

I was part of the training group that taught clients and workers about the EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) system when it came to Georgia about 10 years ago. More Food Stamp fraud involved retailers than individual clients and the EBT system was one way to cut down on it.
An example could be the liquor store referred to in the link. We found stores that were transacting $100,000 a year in food stamps but were only purchasing $20,000 worth of items to sell that were food stamp eligible! The EBT cards have made it more difficult to commit fraud, though criminals will always find a way.

[Carol25]

carol please keep your insults to yourself. That is childish.



http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/opinion/21kristof.html
Please forgive me, I didn't mean to insult. I posted my thoughts too quickly.

[Jayne]

bolded mine in color

IMO then tell the people who live there to stop breaking the windows and trashing the place to the point where rats move in.

Unbelievable..do you think all people stuck in those positions trash the places and break windows? And, Rats? If there's a hole in the foundation and it's cold outside..they'll get in, not because the people there invited them.

I'm usually on "your side" - or should say I have been until I experienced it, almost. I say this with all respect.

Many of these people can't afford to Fix the place they move into - that's why they are in subsidized housing and they shouldn't be in a position to move into a place that is so substandard, but they are. Not their fault what someone did before and the fact the landlord didn't fix it.

In LA area, I've seen an entire apartment area shut down - nobody lives there and there must be close to 60 apartments or more, and people are living on the street, out of supermarket carts. No broken windows that I could see..but who knows what is inside. I think that is just awful..fix them up..bring in supervisors/managers onsite..give some of those people a place to live.

HUD needs to regulate and police these places better than they do, IMO..and yeah..tell the tenants not to break windows and trash the place or they are OUT.

I understand why landlords don't want to deal with Section 8/HUD - it can be a nightmare if people do as you indicated..and indeed many of them do..but not everyone.

jmo

J