You own a small convenience store that accepts SNAP (food stamps). Business has been tough lately, so you were relieved when that new guy in the neighborhood offered a way to make some extra cash. He said all you had to do was ring up a bunch of fake grocery purchases on his SNAP card, pocket most of the charged amount, and give him a cut. It sounded shady, but times are hard – what’s the big deal?
Well, that “big deal” is called SNAP trafficking, and it’s a serious federal crime that can land you in prison for years.
The feds are cracking down hard on retailers who illegally exchange SNAP benefits for cash. If you’ve gotten mixed up in something like this, don’t panic. We’re here to help get you out of this mess. Our elite team of former federal prosecutors has beaten SNAP fraud cases for clients nationwide. We know all the tricks the government uses, and exactly how to fight back.
So take a deep breath, keep reading, and then give us a call at 212-300-5196. We’ll make sure you understand your rights and explore every possible defense strategy. With our attorneys in your corner, you can beat this thing.
What Exactly is SNAP Trafficking?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides low-income Americans with financial aid to purchase nutritious food. It’s a crucial safety net depended on by millions.
SNAP benefits get loaded onto a special debit card (called an EBT card) each month. Recipients can then use that card at authorized retailers to buy eligible food items.
Trafficking is when a retailer lets someone buy ineligible stuff with their SNAP benefits, or just gives them cash in exchange for their benefits. Basically, it’s a way for the recipient to turn their food stamps into cash, and for the crooked retailer to pocket the government’s money.
According to the USDA, common examples of SNAP trafficking include:
- Letting recipients use their SNAP card to buy alcohol, cigarettes, or other ineligible items
- Letting recipients use their SNAP card to get cash back without any purchase
- Manually entering inflated food purchase amounts and pocketing the difference
- Purchasing SNAP benefits from recipients for cash at a discounted rate
Trafficking totally undermines the purpose of SNAP and deprives needy families of food assistance. That’s why it’s considered FRAUD – a serious federal felony offense under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Fraud Framework Act.
The Feds Are Cracking Down on SNAP Fraud (Big Time)
Look, we get it – times are tough for small business owners. Profit margins are razor thin, competition is fierce, and you’re just trying to get by. An opportunity to make some easy money on the side can seem awfully tempting.
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(212) 300-5196But listen up: the USDA is not messing around when it comes to SNAP fraud. They have entire teams of investigators and auditors dedicated to rooting out trafficking schemes and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
In 2022 alone, the USDA’s Office of Inspector General opened over 700 cases related to SNAP fraud, resulting in 418 convictions and $59 million in monetary results from fines, recoveries, and receivables. Those are just the cases they caught!
The penalties for SNAP trafficking are no joke either. Retailers convicted of buying SNAP benefits for cash face:
- Permanent disqualification from SNAP
- Fines up to $1 million
- Up to 20 years in federal prison
And that’s just for a first offense! Repeat offenders can get hit with even harsher sentences and fines.
So if you’ve been accused of SNAP trafficking, you’re in a world of legal hurt. Trying to handle this yourself is a terrible idea – you need an experienced federal defense lawyer in your corner ASAP.
Todd Spodek
Lead Attorney & Founder
Featured on Netflix's "Inventing Anna," Todd Spodek brings decades of high-stakes criminal defense experience. His aggressive approach has secured dismissals and acquittals in cases others deemed unwinnable.
That’s where our elite team at Federal Lawyers comes in. We’ve successfully defended clients against SNAP fraud charges all across the country. We know how to dismantle the government’s case and get charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
Just give us a call at 212-300-5196 and we’ll get to work protecting your rights and your freedom immediately. The sooner you bring us in, the stronger your defense will be.
You've been swiping SNAP EBT cards for customers who leave your store without any groceries, giving them 50 cents on the dollar in cash while keeping the rest. Now a USDA investigator has shown up with transaction records showing dozens of suspicious redemptions at your store — all large, round-dollar amounts with no corresponding inventory purchases.
Can I really face federal charges just for cashing out people's food stamp benefits at my convenience store?
Absolutely — SNAP trafficking is a serious federal offense under 7 U.S.C. § 2024, which criminalizes the unauthorized use, transfer, or redemption of SNAP benefits. Convictions carry up to 20 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000 for large-scale trafficking operations. The USDA Office of Inspector General uses electronic transaction pattern analysis to identify stores with abnormally high redemption amounts, rapid repeat swipes, and purchases that don't match inventory levels — all of which build a strong paper trail against you. You need a federal defense attorney immediately, because beyond criminal prosecution, you also face permanent disqualification from the SNAP program and civil monetary penalties under 7 C.F.R. § 278.
This is general information only. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.
Common SNAP Trafficking Defenses
Maybe you got mixed up in a trafficking scheme unknowingly or under duress. Maybe there’s been a misunderstanding and you were operating your SNAP-authorized business 100% legitimately.
Whatever the circumstances, our skilled attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and craft a robust defense strategy tailored to your situation. Here are just some of the potential defenses we may pursue:
Lack of Criminal Intent
To convict for SNAP fraud, prosecutors must prove you knowingly and intentionally engaged in trafficking. If we can show you were unaware of the rules, were coerced, or there was a legitimate misunderstanding, it becomes very difficult for them to establish intent.
