A shocking new investigation has uncovered a massive nationwide scam involving EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) food stamp cards. According to the Secret Service, convenience stores in New York and across the United States are cloning EBT card readers and draining benefits from unsuspecting families.

Here’s how it works: when customers swipe their EBT cards at certain stores, scammers secretly copy the data. That information is then used to create cloned cards, which are used to withdraw benefits. Investigators say just one store can steal up to $1 million a year this way.

The scale of this fraud is mind-blowing. Authorities estimate more than $18 BILLION in taxpayer money is stolen every year through these scams. And the shocking part? When victims report their stolen benefits, the government often reimburses them—meaning taxpayers are essentially paying twice for the same food stamps.

Experts warn that this isn’t just a New York problem. The scheme is happening nationwide, every single day. In fact, the Secret Service says EBT fraud is now one of the fastest-growing financial crimes in America.

So who really pays the price? Everyday taxpayers. While scammers pocket billions, hardworking Americans foot the bill.

This growing crisis has many asking: Why isn’t more being done to stop it?