10-06-2025
SKIM Act would tap in federal law enforcement to handle EBT thefts
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Kern County has been plagued with EBT theft for years.
A months-long investigation by 17 News uncovered a Romanian Crime Ring behind the card skimming, but the problem went beyond county lines.
'$100,00 dollars a month that were stolen before, prior to 2021,' said Congressman Vince Fong, representing California's 20th District. 'Now we're looking at $10 million being stolen a month.'
It seems the state ignored this issue for far too long.
'I have my criticism of the state government,' said Fong.
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Fong said it's time the federal government steps in. Officials presented the 'Stopping Klepto-card and Information Misuse Act'; SKIM Act for its initials on Monday.
Tapping in the general attorney and homeland security to fight against welfare fraud.
'We need to tie all the dots together, especially when we have international crime rings that are participating not only within California, or within Kern County, but across state lines,' said Congressman Fong. 'So we have to have the ability for the federal law enforcement agency to coordinate and cooperate with state and local entities. Absolutely not, for the amount that's being stolen, there has to be real teeth to those penalties. We're going to work with the attorney general to raise it to as high as we can…we need it to the point where we can deter this criminal behavior.'
Congressman Fong said he hopes bringing national attention to this issue will lead to improving security measures in welfare programs nationwide.
The 'SKIM Act' has been presented to the judiciary committee, and if approved, it will be sent to the house for vote.
For more on EBT fraud you can the special investigation 'Skimming Scheme,' here.
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