Waste Watch: Food Stamp Fraud

by Alyssa Spirato State and federal food assistance programs are meant to help struggling families, but not everyone uses their EBT card the way it's intended.NewsChannel9 obtained records pointing to some swiping theirs for alcohol and even strip clubs. Most of the transactions are on the up-and up, but others caught our eye. Ronica Scott is one of the many Chattanooga residents who relies on government assistance. She says she's been on food stamps for the past 7 years."That's how my children eat from day to day. So I need it, I use mine the right way," says Scott.An advocacy group, Tennessee Watchdog, gave us state reports documenting every EBT transaction in June. One business on the list was the Chattanooga Convention Center. The report claims three transactions in June totaling about 30. Executive Director Mike Shuford says according to his records, they were a lobby ATM."We don't monitor our ATM machine. You know, you can walk up and we assume, we have cameras on it, but we don't look at what kind of card is being put into the machine," says Shuford.The Honest Pint restaurant and bar also made it onto the list. The records show a transaction for 2.50 on June 5th.It's a problem state officials are well aware of, and working to fix. There's one current snag. There's no way to track the cash once it's taken out. But thanks to a new law enacted in February, new regulations will be put in place."We can't prove because someone cashes their EBT Card at an ATM machine in a liquor store, that they are buying it for liquor. However, the new federal regulation is going to prohibit the use of EBT cards being cashed in liquor stores and adult entertainment," says Wanda Franklin, with Families First.As for Ronica Scott, she feels the responsibility lies in the hands of the user."It give the people that's using it the right way, it give us a bad name," says Scott.Now while the new regulation will prohibit ATM transactions in liquor stores and adult-oriented establishments, it won't put a stop to transactions at malls or hotels.Franklin says they hope to have the new regulation put in place very soon.

[@davidlafleche1142]

Why don't you just quit drugs, quit drinking, get a job, and pay for your own food?

[@jonblake9163]

Because that would require at least an ounce of discipline which they have none.

[@michaelwalker2579]

What about the ones that have a job, don't drink or use drugs

[@firebirdude2]

Can't. Too busy on their back....

[@KitCat-qd3fp]

I hate that ppl make it so taboo to ask for help. When I had my children my husband was healthy, we both had great careers, paid our own bills and never thought how our future would change so drastically. When the boys were 6 and 7 my husband (yes both of their father) died in front of us. For another 6 yrs I did it on my own. Then I found out I had lupud. Moved in with my mother because I physically couldn't do it alone anymore. I worked for 2 more years. Last year I got sepsis. Im bedridden ....I get food stamps now. After working paying into the system doing what i had to for my kids going without so they could have I have had stamps for less than a year. Should I have had my tubes tied. Or not have kids. Or get drug tested (no i dont do drugs). Its sad that ppl make it hard to ask for help. That little bit of food stamps last about 3 wks. So I scrounge the last week. Its sad that Im on her having this talk with ppl who are in a better place. I would love to be able to walk again. Go to work. See my friends and family more. But the one thing I shouldnt have to go through is the shame posts like this think its ok to put on ppl who need help. Not ever person on food stamps is lazy or on drugs or whatever. Who cares how many daddies her babies have? Damn learn to have compassion and empathy.

[@juanchavezsalazar3308]

Well said. True though. Getting tired of my tax money going to that especially when people take advantage of our money

[@lvwright]

If you abuse it, you should lose it

[@samguerra1632]

Not to mention pay it 'all' back!..After 10 years in prison!

[@samguerra1632]

@Linda Terry Yes and too will be made to pay also!..In greater measures that is..We are all imperfect and will someday have to reap the wickedness we've sewn..We will be forgiven by God just as we have forgiven those that have wronged us..It is "written in Jeramiah 3:5-7".

[@samguerra1632]

@Linda Terry Yeah I know!..They also prey upon those of us that buy into their money making sceems!..However, as I said before they worship money wealth&Power!..In their lives God takes second!..May God forgive them!..As he has forgiven me for breaking all of his commandments!..All they need to do is ask&he will...First hand experience.

[@srgzachattack1594]

@Linda Terry yeah we should kill corrupted/ bribed Congress men

[@MrJerm200]

Politicians abuse taxing the hell out of us, how about we take away their salaries for abusing our pockets

[@jimmybaker2845]

I worked retail for 34 years. Food Stamp fraud was going on as long as it has been around. Sometimes we caught people in the store trying to sell the old paper food stamps for cash. They could get $0.50 on the dollar with food stamps. People paying with food stamps would go out and get in Cadillacs and Lincolns and dressed in fine clothes and wearing fine Jewelry.

[@thuandao4243]

I see sketchy young people hang outside trying to sell ebt credit.

[@truckingguru1995]

Wow, system surfing at its finest.. I have have been raised to work for a living by my single father.. I live by those words today even years after his passing." Hard work and determination over time will probably be rewarded with a sense of dignity and morals." Thank you Dad for all the wise knowledge you have stored in me to not be a part of the immoral things going on in the world today.. R.I.P.

[@phxmateo]

The only businesses that should accept these cards are grocery stores, for food only. I am sure with the computer system, payments using ebt cards could be denied for anything but food.

[@lola1563]

Matt Nelson. Some cards get money on them too.

[@phineasparaquad2727]

It used to be like that, but then your liberals and socialist got involved and made it where they can use the card almost anywhere

[@chevy266nova]

They find a way around it as you can see in this viedo.

[@88Crager]

@@phineasparaquad2727 Conservatives had a hand in this as well.

[@mharris5047]

In Michigan cash benefits are put into the same account with the same card used to access them. I would expect that cash benefits were withdrawn at the convention center, strip clubs and casinos -- not food benefits. In Michigan the card aren't supposed to be able to be used at these places (I can't speak to whether this is actually true -- I am a payee for someone on food stamps but have never used the person's card at these places).

[@delavalmilker]

Why not bring back something similar to the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s? In exchange for food assistance, require that these people report for x number of hours per week picking up trash in parks and roadsides, maintenance work in parks and waterways, planting trees, demolishing and clean up of abandoned homes in depressed neighborhoods, working as orderlies in public hospitals...

[@jfsfrnd]

You want the disabled and elderly raising children or the children to work in the Civilian Conservation corps?

[@TheMabes69]

jfsfrnd No, just the able-to-work scammers.

[@jfsfrnd]

TheMabes69 How are you gonna know who is faking and who is not?

[@MAURICELAGEO]

jfsfrnd Very easy. All males, 18-67 on the food stamp must work except they are prove that they cannot work. All females. between 18-67 need to work too except on pregnant. All people have three more kids are not eligible. So easy..

[@jfsfrnd]

George Z I have no problem making able bodied people work before they get public assistance. The major problem with this is that there are many people with undiagnosed mental illness and no money set aside to spot and diagnose them. Why do I think it is you that will say that if they can't perform on the job they are lazy.

[@ElsiaStar]

I’m on food stamps because I genuinely rely on them(and I don’t have kids or have money to spend on tattoos/hairdos/etc like I see in the comments) and I can’t work because of an illness. I hate that people are abusing the system, it gives us all a bad name. Food stamps, used right, are a life saver.

[@unknownwolf8555]

I'm on food stamps I don't abuse mine I have no kids I have heart problems and hearing issues

[@eveastar1]

The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm.

thats a sweet fucken comment

[@tammysigmon853]

This is an awesome statement. May I quote you on Facebook and of course I will credit you as the author?

[@formantshift]

+Tammy Sigmon You don't have to credit her. It's a Swedish proverb. Google it and you will see it everywhere.

[@sleekcartim]

+Evea Frank Meanwhile corporate welfare dwarfs ALL public welfare combined (not to mention the extreme waste in govt & military that would make u insane). The media is owned by huge corps that have vested interest in humping the welfare queen narrative (which she is now propagating) so you wont notice their corp jet subsities. ...wake up ppl.

[@sleekcartim]

***** who stinks more? corporations that dont need that money or the very small number (google it) of frauds in public welfare?

[@S955US84]

If you cannot afford to feed your own kids - don't have them.

[@SG-oi9ie]

Ram. The Man should *have*, not should of.

[@betsycollins601]

My ex (who is a major barfbag) used to say, "Can't feed em, don't breed em." And while I think this a bit harsh, one would think that people would indeed consider if they can afford to support another child before deciding whether or not to employ contraception as a part of their relationships with others. Ironically, it is I who pays their (our daughters') medical, dental, and car insurance, while I required no child support (I make a LOT more than he ever will), but we still struggle to make ends meet and we often end up on a ramen-noodles regimen. Is anyone else out there going through this kind of thing?

[@betsycollins601]

***** Someone told me that in some countries (Germany, I think), you can get assistance after having your first child. However, as it would be for any working person, if you decide to have more, your payments/benefits are not increased. Like everyone else, you have to find a way to stretch your existing dollars to support your family.

[@betsycollins601]

***** Oh, students in public schools below the poverty line get free lunch and breakfast and if I had my way, they all would. If we can feed gourmet fare to our fat cats in D.C., we can certainly afford to feed our students.

[@francieweston9489]

Her in Canada we do our best to feed children, (and everyone else), but the issue is when a woman tells you she's on her 10th child and proud of it while living on assistance I have to question the mentality. I don't believe this should be allowed as just because you can doesn't mean you have to. I see a lot of parents wearing Nike runners and using the latest cell phones while on assistance. I also volunteer at a family centre and see all this first hand. I personally can't afford a new cell or Nike runners. Pays to have kids I guess.

[@Jim1971a]

Why would they grill the bar owner about bet cards being used at the atm? The bar owner isn't supposed to police the atm. It's a self-service machine.

[@MrFishluver]

I lost my job, suffering from depression after losing my youngest son. been working for 48 yrs, so yea I got on food stamps, I put into it. it's strange how I can buy candy, but I can't buy cough drops, so how the hell are these people buying boobs and booze?

[@dawnalongoria8362]

Ok so they can monitor food stamps so why not child support. Most of that gets spent on alcohol, drugs, tattoos and bs like that.

[@jasonvoorhees6416]

thank you very true....

[@michaelsaumure7697]

From what I have seen here in Alabama, the monitoring of if someone pays support, and where it is spent, is less than stellar. One family finally got the support sent to the grandmother of the child, who used it properly. However, the one sending the support was, shall we say...not exactly dependable. The individual eventually found himself garnished, so it was settled.

[@dawnalongoria8362]

+Michael Saumure yea sounds like my husbands ex. Now she is pregnant and im so sure it will be spent on the new baby. We wish to have his little girl but women always get custody. I see her in rags and her mom and boyfriend are blinged out. Makes me so angry.. so as a good dad he spends more money to get her what she needs.

[@dawnalongoria8362]

+Michael Saumure The entire system is flawed really and im glad they are now making it to where unreliable parents can't even get i think insurance or the sticker for a car if they owe. Not sure which one but its something for the vehicle

[@dawnalongoria8362]

+Boss Hogg Yes the childs expenses not the moms, new boyfriend, or other 30 kids. unless of course he has more then one child with her. A baby should not be in rags because a bitch wants to support her damn habbits. When on child support most women are on other forms of government assistance. so what exactly is coming out of there pocket to support them. Me and my hubby have discussed how much easier it would be if we weren't together because literally i would have the world handed to me. Almost 500 in child support. i have 2 children so at the very least 400 to 500 in food stamps. Wic, housing with bills paid. Come on now. you can't tell me all of these chicks are really working and supporting there kids. Thats the flaw with our system. You can be worthless trash and make it, yet those who work have to support there families and the ones who keep popping out helpless children that they can't afford.

[@JaysPHJourney]

go too aldis and walmart and you will find people using other peoples cards

[@meemeethecat7391]

HOWD. YOU KNOW ? DID. YOU SEE ALL THE NAMES ON THE CARD ? AND DO. YOU. KNOW THAT PERSON. NAME ? JUST DON'T ASSUME. IF YOU DON'T KNOW.

[@debbieframpton3857]

I am 67 years old I get $21 a month my Link Card does not have my name on it just the account number

[@chevy266nova]

Yes, they sell their cards for cash.

[@rangerteq65]

They should have to pay it back and if someone is caught using it wrong, jerk the card from them for 6 months or forever!

[@randy95023]

When I was a young adult in the late 1970's I didn't even know anybody that got Food Stamps! I knew plenty of poor folks in our rural town but pride and dignity kept them off the Public Dole. Even the quite deserving (who got Food Stamps fair and square) would go to a neighboring town to get groceries lest a friend or family member Saw Them using Food Stamps. What ever happened to Pride and Dignity?

[@amostake]

Chris urquhart Capitalism would not have people on welfare. Capitalism is people taking pride and responsibility for themselves. Socialism is what happened to this country, and it's ruining everything.

[@bderry9948]

What ever happened to Pride and Dignity?It disappeared when obama was elected

[@RogerBarraud]

randy95023 in the 70's, there were journalistic standards and real editorial integrity. Then came the Turners and the Murdochs.

[@RogerBarraud]

randy95023 Brilliant efficiency that - spend $ on transport instead of food. Nice going, genius.

[@RogerBarraud]

randy95023 It got thrown off a cliff by Unbridled Corporate Greed. #gordongeckohick

[@magee113]

When I was a young single mom, I was qualified for food stamps and WIC. Though I was not perfect, I bought the occasional chips, candy or soda, I felt lucky enough to qualify for them in the first place. I can say honestly 95% of my allowance went toward good, healthy or nutritious choices. I had a job that allowed for small luxuries like a bottle of wine or my cigarettes. Maybe I was raised differently??? I just felt it was a privledge I shouldn't take for granted.

[@luvvinlovelock7254]

You're exactly right. It's not a given you have to apply for it and receive it.

[@chevy266nova]

I know years ago when you got a book of stamps, where a woman sold her stamps for cash to buy a dog. I tried reporting it and was told to mind my own busness by the state employee I talked to. This abusehas been going on for years. I believe there should be places that you should go to get you food and baby items. Open to the assistance recipients only. That they could only use their cards there. They could put assistance recipients to work there also. I had to work for my money. they should also.

[@kw266988]

Could she feed the dog? #DOGSLIVESMATTER

[@lydiamorales-keefer4293]

I'm actually glad that I always get cut from any assistance. What about those that overfill and hord from food banks yet still overload their carts, family or no family?

[@jimbo462nd]

Screw the card. Open up Places to get exactly what you need 2 times a month for food. You get only what you need. NO EBT card. You should not get options when you need help you take what is given to you. The food you get twice a month will be enough for you to survive and not go hungry. No one should go hungry. My major issue is people on assistance buying good cuts of meat, cigs, booze and other stuff that are meant for people who work for them.

[@jimbo462nd]

+jfsfrnd Special Diets will be taken care of. Of course with Medical Proof. I am not saying Surplus food. I am saying food that people can buy at a supermarket. You should not get tons of options when you ain;t paying for it...

[@JoeyDeDominicis]

Lights?

[@mikebird2571]

I think you are wrong, about cuts of meat, i often buy steaks, ribs, roasts , it's meat, close to expiration, may have turned brown, on the edges, but when you spend $ 3.99 a poundfor hamburger, $ 2.99 for lunchmeat, or 3 cans of tuna at $ .89 each making tuna cost around $ 2.75 a pound, buying steaks, at $ 1.69 a pound, roasts $ 1.29 a pound, ribs at $ 1.59 a pound, that money goes twice as far, as what You try to dictate... These cuts of meat, is cheaper than eggs, peanot butter, and almost everything else... Think before you make such stupid comments, or go to the store with mommie, and maybe you will learn, how to shop, and how to save money...

[@mikeysix3]

If their healthy and able body they need to be working ,food stamps is for the disabled and elderly . Not for generations of baby factorys.

[@vietlover92d58]

we need a vending machine that gives out condoms to people that says, "the less babies you make, the less bullshit they gotta deal with when they are borned"

[@SuperUncleRyan]

There should not be any EBT cards. There should just be a place where they go get food and essentials, and that is it. Welfare should not be a career choice and it should not be comfortable at all. They shouldn't even put air-conditioning in government housing. If you want nice things get out and work for them.

[@betsycollins601]

I agree. I have worked two full-time jobs and I live in an old house (just had to replace the entire water system in fact, this past month) with no ac in summer. Why should someone who wants to make a career of widening their derriere on a sofa (short of blindness, deafness, paralysis, amputation, or terminal illness) fare better than those who bust their keisters to make ends meet? I cannot even afford a mobile phone, yet all the local welfare queens and kings have one.....somethings really screwed up with this nation.

[@marthasarbeck2770]

SuperUncleRyan. BOY THAT WOULD REALLY SET THEM OFF WHAT NO CANDY NO TATER CHIPS NO BOOZE NONE OF THEM WOULD EVEN THINK ABOUT GOING TO A DISTRIBUTION CENTER DON'T TELL THEM WHAT THEY SHOULD EAT THEY LIKE TO PICK UP SNACK FOOD'S SCHOOLS FEED THEIR KIDS GO FIGURE WE NEED JOB'S AND PRIDE AGIAN!!!!!

[@TheCrashdawg]

SuperUncleRyan back in the day. ( I'm not 100 ) people went to county seat and got the food. hell Eddie Murphy even talks about it. welfare cheese and butter .lol now they would call it shaming,or racist. America is doomed.

[@JoeyDeDominicis]

What if the central food bank fails!?

[@metricageomocule7830]

Unless you're severely disabled, you should NOT be on welfare long term! We've seen welfare go from being a spartan, temporary safety net to being a nice, comfortable hammock! Why should those on welfare long term get lifestyles as good as or better than those who work for a living?

[@Carpenterdane]

I have a problem when I see people in the grocery store using food stamps that have acrylic nails, tattoos, lots of jewelry & make up. Now having said that, you never know if that person is a foster parent, so you can't judge people.

[@dee7353]

It needs to go back to food stamps which only cover certain foods. Welfare and food stamps are so abused and wasted. It should be cut off after a certain time and you should forever lose those benefits for life if caught using them fraudulently.

[@YouMockMe]

.......why let them use ATMs anyway? ...take out money from the grocery store to hit up the bar across the street?

[@dontuoharris2362]

It doesn't look like she ever skips a meal....

[@frusmonkey]

I got laid off from my job when I was pregnant with my son: I applied for benefits, and I was denied. Once my son was born, I was able to get WIC, but food stamps was unattainable. We, and I mean my husband, made $3.00 too much to qualify. I would have been more than happy to return to work, but we couldn't afford the daycare costs. So I became a stay-at-home-mom. My husband was working every single day, and because he made $3.00 over the limit, we couldn't get assistance. Eventually they gave us $30.00 a month. Yup, that helped. We are no longer on assistance, but when we needed it, we couldn't get it. All we needed was a little help and because there was already so many people on it, we couldn't get any assistance. It's about time they do something about so people who actually need it, can get it.

[@debraargento7758]

can not believe the money they get when my mother on fixed income only gets 16.00 a month shes only 78. yrs old.

[@davejenn6051]

how do some of these folks on food stamps get so fat???? are there that many calories in Cheetos???

[@MrJerm200]

Because they eat too much snacks and drink too much soda. If you ask me soda should not be approved with ebt

[@meigelted]

this happens all the time in Coldwater Michigan many of the small stores that take EBT cards will let you trade your card for cash cigarettes and liquor. I was standing in line one day at Quincy Heights grocery store in Quincy Michigan and saw it with my own eyes when the owner allowed the person to get a carton of cigarettes on her food stamp card and a bottle of booze. I am sure if you check the records you will see this is going on all over just a concerned citizen.

[@youngnurse9994]

Once I was in a very nice freshwater seafood take out place. They cook the food for you or you take it home to cook yourself. Well, folks was in there buying bushels and bushels of live crabs and cooked food with food stamps!! I was so shocked I could not close my mouth!! Til this day I can't believe it every time I ride pass there! Place stays packed!!! SMH

[@itsmob4life]

How can they afford weave but not food?!

[@TheMabes69]

Ever notice that a lot of the black welfare Moms always have a fresh manicure, pedicure, fashionable clothes/shoes, a new 'do, and are usually 50-100 lbs. overweight minimum? I guess this could apply to whites or hispanics, too...but I've never actually seen this phenomenon in other races. Just my 2 cents.

[@jfsfrnd]

It is common for poor people to ''dress up'' like it is common for the middle class to ''dress down''. Remember grunge?

[@CreeperJustWannaHug]

jfsfrnd Except when those people who are "dressing up" are simultaneously taking tax payer dollars to pay for their food, they should have their benefits cut off, because they clearly have money to afford unnecessary luxuries like jewelry and manicures. If you have the money to get a manicure pedicure and fashionable clothes, taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for your food.

[@jfsfrnd]

TTurchan You can do whatever you want with your money. I go on the Internet and buy craft items and books. Other people get manicures and buy fancy clothes.

[@CreeperJustWannaHug]

jfsfrnd If they are on welfare it isn't their money, so if they use it to buy unnecessary luxuries, they clearly aren't desperate enough to justify receiving the money. (then again there is no point at which welfare is justifiable but that's besides the point)

[@jfsfrnd]

TTurchan Yes it is. It is their money when they receive it and they can do what they want with it as long as they take care of their kids. Where does the law say that?

[@jasoncullity1363]

I BLAME THE PARENTS. YOU ARE A PRODUCT OF YOUR ENVIRONMENT. IF YOU ARE BROUGHT UP WITH NO STRUCTURE OR MORALS, HOW DO YOU THINK THAT YOU WILL RAISE YOUR OWN FAMILY. I HAVE 100 EXAMPLES TO PROVE ME RITE. IF YOU ARE BROUGHT UP TO CHEAT THE SYSTEM...?

[@heedmywarning2792]

+jason cullity yes, the decline of family structure

[@hughejayness7775]

amen to that

[@sdny7111]

Not always I have seen people who came from nice middle class family's misuse food stamps cause of drugs. There mentality is why work if they can get free shit. It's disgusting but the real problem is the government that allows this shit to happen. They would rather give you food stamps then help you earn more money.

[@BenHughes81]

There's was a case here in Massachusetts around 2012 where someone was provided an EBT card. The problem is that he was making close to $90,000 a year from his job.

[@terrybrady8588]

misspent tax money? how about the government? wars and corrupt politicians

[@BucketListBadass]

Today I mowed a small lawn for $5. I did not pay taxes on it. Instead, I purchased a bottle of cheap malt liquor. I feel ashamed for cheating the system. I'm going to turn myself in. :)

[@b2flyer1]

"Her and her children" and she has a head full of weave

[@ellenl.5581]

Why punish honest people for the criminal actions of food sales stores and people who making the buys.

[@bertlbarm4374]

Why is it not possible to pair food stamps with valid IDs?

[@benbrown3933]

make I d cards like check cards with person picture only they can use it no one else

[@Bricklinsv1970]

This has been going on for a long time! Drug test and alcohol test them every month!

[@meemeethecat7391]

TRUST. ME. PEOPLE KNOW WAYS AROUND EVERYTHING. EASY SAID THEN DONE. IT'S SOME BULL. SHITERS. OUT THERE.

[@rickmassey5802]

I owned a small convenience store and I have seen so much misuse You just would not believe it

[@Flypozoidtwins2]

I bet you even bought stamps to fill your store

[@rickmassey5802]

@@Flypozoidtwins2 ,sounds like you may be selling your?

[@antwoinebrown5110]

They need to do this all over the US.

[@jenncutt85]

I really think that they should put a limit on how long you are aloud to get food stamps like ok we will give you food stamps for six months but when it runs out you will not be able to get them again for two years or something

[@RogerBarraud]

jenncutt85 Perhaps there should be a limit on how many PubTarded comments you can post before you're banned for, say... ...ever.

[@jenncutt85]

Yes because god forbid people have to pay out of their own pocket for their own food when they are able bodied adults. Lets just keep raising more generations of people who feel that its their right to sit around and claim welfare. They claim they can't afford food yet they always have their hair and nails done, always have money for cigarettes, booze or drugs. I'm not talking about the people who genuinely need help, I'm talking about those who abuse the system.

[@michaelmadsen5005]

jenncutt85 allowed not aloud

[@once.upon.a.time.]

Yeah that might work but 6 months isn't long at all... I think 2-5 years is better, and then longer only if there's extenuating circumstances. Think about a scenario like this: a happy family of 4, the father and sole breadwinner passes away suddenly leaving the homemaker mother to fend for herself and her 2 children. She decides to work 2 jobs and put herself through school to give her kids a nice life, that would certainly take longer than 6 months.

[@nguyenhong3]

Is the EBT card can cash out $ from ATM? That's strange, I only use the card to buy foods

[@xYouthAttackx]

yeah shady places will do that like a liquor store.

[@ladybugpiscesktarot]

You can take welfare money off the card...

[@drunkmonkeymedia]

So how difficult is it to just remove the pin option all together and make it a swipe at a terminal type of transaction vs. atms? 2nd, what about removing the entire credit card aspect of it all, so it's only viable at a swipe terminal in a grocery store similar to a store gift card?

[@AwesomeHoustonWelder-Official]

On welfare and food stamps, has piercings, pro hairdo and special contact lenses - talks about OTHER ppl abusing the system. LOL!!!

[@Tata-iu3fy]

Awesome Houston Welder a pro hairdo? Bitch that was some cheap synthetic hair braided into her hair. Nothing pro about it. Stop trying to act like all poor people need to look a certain way.

[@ralphb.5335]

Weave her alone....

[@competetodefeat4610]

Bet those nails were done up real nice too. Probably feet as well.

[@ralphb.5335]

....Yeah, but she bought her BMW pre-owned....

[@islandhonduras8950]

Funny how other races are actually the leading Food Stamp recipients..Not Us..but we're judging this woman for doing a good deed while looking decent..Im not on FoodStamps..and I dont say anything when I see a white woman in a range rover and perfect blond highlights and her dog in a designer bag..swiping her EBT.. I think if its sad..and a shame..cancel it..statistically more white people are gonna go hungry than Blacks! but that's never gonna happen...They know who the majority of the recipients are..They just don't want non-whites to get them..That is all😒

[@raycity1234]

If your able bodied you have to be a real loser if you can't even feed yourself..Hell stray cats feed themselfs but some people can't.

[@tammyfav9454]

NOT THEY CANT..THEY WONT. BUT They GOT A MOUTH FULL OF GOLD WEAVES AND THE LATEST MIST EXPENSIVE SMART PHONES

[@bliz2912]

I wish I could get gold piercing's over my eyes and mooch off the Government .

[@Tata-iu3fy]

sickel cell you don't know when she got that. You don't know that she's abusing the system either.

[@bitchy_bitch5909]

sickel cell No, i know that you really don't. IT SUCKS! It's so nice to be self-sufficient, and do for ones own self. It's rewarding, and also no one has a reason to tell you how to live your life and what you may and may not do with YOUR hard earned money! To me; it's a blessing to be self sufficient! I qualify for a few dollars in food stamps but won't bother with it. It's an inconvenience to me, and an embarrassment in line at the store. I'd much rather go without than be thought of as a leech! Besides: gluttons get hungry fast, and are the first to die of hunger. I eat 1 meal a day, weigh less than 155, 6'2", 49 years old, and in excellent health! Some people with 4 to 17 kids are just DAMN DISGUSTING!!! Go sit in a fast food place for 2 hours or so. You'll see all kinds of shit on welfare with too many brats that they can't and won't controll them! Food stamps accepted by McDonald's?!?!?? Real working people have more self respect than that!!!!! 😧

[@theresapetekiewicz1788]

I agree make those that are able-bodied do work for the state even if it's simply cleaning up highways and trash let it be mandatory that they put in a minimum of 20 hours a week in order to get any form of welfare. Why does the State hire people when they could make those able-bodied healthy people work for the state and lessen the burden on taxpayers. The government doesn't do much to prevent abuse.

[@bderry9948]

Stop making food stamp cards look like credit cards.

[@MrsBryant1024]

b derry Why? That's how we sneak & get our food appearing to be working citizens 🤑

[@jeannierusso2134]

This is to the person that thinks that they should start making the food stamp card look like a credit card.... and what would you like it to look like and what should it look like ???

[@chevy266nova]

And put the persons picture on it.

[@MeneTekelUpharsin]

How can it be possible to use a EBT card at a bar? I thought you could only use it at a grocery store or gas station.

[@ihave35cents95]

+Mene Tekel You forgot 6 flags

[@JennyP17]

Mene Tekel yes that's my question also... How?

[@once.upon.a.time.]

From what I understand, EBT can have both food stamps and welfare money on it. You cannot withdraw from the food money but you can from the welfare money.

[@socomao3]

Abolish welfare all together

[@loriwilliams7868]

There are people whom are elderly n disabled that depend on the foodstamps. It's the lazy engrates that don't want to work should be cut off.

[@mrcaz9164]

The enactment to keep leeches (They know who they are) from using ATM's at bars and the such is not going to be effective. The leeches will just go to places they can use the ATM before they go to the strip clubs and such.

[@peternorthrup6274]

I am appalled. How long has this been going on? I never thought people would buy things that they should not. I just figured all these years it was going to really good food for the kids. So what your saying is that i worked over 40 years and this has been going on? All the time i put in and paid thousands in taxes thinking all this time the government was watching my hard earned tax money. Im very upset. I guess at this point the best i can hope for is you let me know who goes to jail. Thats fair. How much do they have to pay back when they get out. They need to spend a long time in prison. I spent along time working to make sure they had food. Please let me no justice was served. Prison time that is. I will be watching.

[@somebody200090210]

0:34 she's on welfare, but she has enough money to get a weave....nice.

[@gregoryeverson741]

ya those weaves arent cheap, like 100$ a pop

[@somebody200090210]

Gregory Everson Cheap or not...that money can be used for food. $100 buys a lot of groceries

[@gregoryeverson741]

A Smith yup 100$ can buy a lot of food

[@ameliasingleton1166]

Gregory Everson a weave can be from as cheap as a dollar through thousands of dollars. her weave looks like 30$.

[@quashawnmurphy1456]

It's not a weave, they're called micro-braids. You use a synthetic type of hair but you're not sewing human hair in your head. Just saying.

[@edwinvazquezjr]

its about time. they start cracking down on this.

[@cedricliggins7528]

Ronica Scott is absolutely correct!!!! She's a good mother who does her best to care of her children.

[@robertgraham4230]

I love to see my tax money being spent on steak, lobster and other expensive food that some tax payers cant afford. Why cant EBT be regulated like the WIC program?

[@trump4690]

black chick has enough money to get 2 grand worth of body piercing tho

[@once.upon.a.time.]

First of all, piercings are like 20-30 dollars each. Second of all, one of my old coworkers did all her own piercings herself... Even her naughty bits 😂😂😂

[@sheridrscoll9389]

Florida could have saved billions of foodstamps if they stopped them when people gp to jail.I have seen and heard of people getting out and the foodstamps keep racking up while they are in jail.When they get out they have a couple thousand on their card and then sell them for 50 cent on the dollar.

[@norahbradley5138]

You're kidding. In Ontario welfare is cut off immediately if people go to jail if they find out about it.

[@sheridrscoll9389]

I DO NOT GET FOODSTAMPS BUDDY.

[@murphmurph2124]

No that is b.s. it doesn't carry over in that manner

[@mharris5047]

@@norahbradley5138 That is the case in Michigan as well. Even the welfare for kids that aren't in jail are cut off, the person caring for the kids while their mommy is in the clink has to reapply to continue the benefits (even if it is her husband and he was on the case to begin with). Social Security and SSI are also cut off if the person is in jail for more than 29 days at a time.

[@betsycollins601]

I have a Master's degree in educational administration (degrees which I worked to repay every cent I borrowed) and my kids dine on ramen noodles most nights because that's the best I can provide for them and still pay my bills. Meanwhile, a prolific mother on EBT, down the road has a fridge stocked full of "goodies." I am proud that I make it for myself and my daughters without child support, while I pay medical, car, and dental insurance premiums for them. I just do not understand why all the work I have invested in getting a good education has resulted in the local indigents faring far better than we do. This should be changed. I do not want equality, I want equity! Hopefully, whomever wins this election will improve the quality of life for the middle class. The elite have always found ways not to pay their fair share of taxes and the indigent have always had a free ride (and let me say that those among them who have a viable plan-through education, vocational training, etc.) for their self-sufficient futures, have my undying support. However, those who see a free ride for life in this assistance, are a drain to the system and they are unwittingly strangling the very geese that lay golden eggs for their benefit!

[@blackdesertcat]

Cracking down cracking down jeez thank god this “problem” is being addressed I’ve been so worried about it

[@ChooChooRooter]

Welfare is a temporary solution not a career choice

[@randy95023]

Our Nation is so rich that NO child should ever go hungry. That said, WTF do we do with the freeloaders who would rather sit on the sofa smoking reefer than working. Work does a person good and gives them dignity. Still, we shouldn't let any of our Nation's children go hungry by accident of their birth. What do we do??

[@ernstbecker1]

Never let them go hungry ! Don't give them the fish; however, show them how to fish.

[@randy95023]

Ernst Becker Amen! I couldn't agree more. We must have jobs available so that people denied Welfare, Housing, Food Stamps, etc. can GO TO WORK. However, children are helpless and innocent so even if mom's an addict or a drunk the poor kid still has to eat. That is the dilemma. I bet you're glad your mom wasn't a Crackhead. How would YOU have eaten when you were 4 years old if she was??

[@ernstbecker1]

Have you ever heard of " free will "?

[@ernstbecker1]

***** Stop feeling sorry for yourself and get a job.

[@ernstbecker1]

You haven't seen the end of the " Give me generation ". Add to this The newly arrived peoples World wide that continue to place a never ending drain on U.S. economy, i.e, medical care, dental care, education. Come one -- come all. " It is called an " entry without inspection ". Either climb over, crawl under, or enter a hole in the U.S. Mexico Boundary Fence and you're on your way to the Promised Land. " Who said that the torch light went out on the Statute of Liberty ? "

[@jenncutt85]

yea this shit does happen in some states because states like MI give out food stamps and cash assistance all on their EBT cards my little sister use to be able to use her EBT at the ATM when she was getting cash assistance

[@lindamassey.7594]

THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN FRONT OF ME BEEN LIVING OFF THE GOVERNMENT FOR 9 YEARS AND THEY SET OUTSIDE AND SALE DRUGS ALL DAY WHEN MY HUSBAND WORK 12HRS A DAY FOR 6 DAY I HAVE A BIG PROBLEM WITH THAT A BIG PROBLEM WITH THAT

[@godisgoodallthetime7622]

I'm bothered that people can eat out with my tax dollars. When people who work for a living can't afford to. That I'll never understand.

[@godisgoodallthetime7622]

Must be nice.

[@FIVEOFEVER]

This lady looks like she hasn't missed too many meals

[@lifeisviewtiful]

You'd be surprised how many gas stations, corner stores and gyro/fried foods places allow people to buy hot meals with ebt. For example let's say I go and buy a gyro platter costing 8 dollars. I've seen the clerk along with crooked folks, swipe the ebt card for frozen fish in the amount of 5 dollars, then just take 3 dollars cash to make up the difference. I think this type of fraud happens more so than buying alcohol and such. Either way it's a despicable practice. EBT is very often abused.

[@lotso69]

They could think of a system to prevent this but they won’t.

[@skipwadoo]

Concerning the black woman, where is the baby daddy. Here in lays the problem.

[@apaixonadaporvc8724]

😂

[@alliekat85]

White men also walk out on children 😲 I know, shocking.

[@brendalaprince1466]

It shouldn't be about black or white. Both races collect, and have kids out of wedlock. By the way there are more whites getting assistance than black. So the research. You also have mexicans, Puerto Ricans. People from Honduras, as well as Asians. So don't ask as though its just black women getting food stamps. Take a day off and go record in front of the welfare office.

[@eddiesaninocencio6635]

He's making babies with another stank booty.

[@eddiesaninocencio6635]

Filipino men in the Philippines are far more worse than American men, on average 70 % of filipino men leave the wife with kids and no money to feed them.

[@dmd1344]

Taxpayer dollars are never well spent

[@mohamedgoldstein5565]

Government assistance? The level of arrogance! Its my money that was confiscated by force.

[@kaseybrown7147]

"Because this group of people went through something similar or worse, whatever you've been through is totally justified, isn't wrong, and doesn't need to be addressed". We need to come up with a name for this fallacy.

[@whatnow3773]

Drug test all of them

[@Stormbringer2012]

how about i call them up and complain about the banker bailout money that cost the tax payers trillions?

[@billisaacs379]

At least the bankers are working

[@ravengrey178]

I reported two women and gave them proof I spoke to a social worker who was the supervisor and district attorney's office. And they didn't do a damn thing!

[@Samuel-I]

Why can they be used at an ATM at all ?? If it's for food and neccesities it should be fairly simple to regulate at the register what and what not that card will purchase.

[@redwhiteblue7831]

I have to drug test for a job that I work and pay taxes for welfare recepients, the least they can do is drug test them before they can receive welfare...

[@chrishass1220]

I am a disabled veteran and we are monitored through drug test on our disability checks and I cant get food stamps was turned down and I watch people pay for 5 to 6 hundred for food with debt and put them in a new car

[@cougarhunter33]

If you want someone to have something, crack YOUR fucking wallet, don't pick mine.

[@cougarhunter33]

Thomas Jefferson Libertarian, actually. It ain't easy.

[@sleekcartim]

+cougarhunter33 hey junior heres some lernin fur ya....Meanwhile corporate welfare dwarfs ALL public welfare combined (not to mention the extreme waste in govt & military that would make u insane). The media is owned by huge corps that have vested interest in humping the welfare queen narrative (which she is now propagating) so you wont notice their corp jet subsities. ...wake up ppl.

[@lorraineknox4815]

Yes I agree a lot ofmisusing the snap systems for other stuff when is meant to feed your kids your family not for the wrong stuff I feel bad for those who really work at their jobs and they can make it with the help of snaps to feed their family but so much misuse now that hurts a lot family for their wrong doing well the gravy train ended a lot of them could work all them baby daddy grab them one by one and obligate them to find work to support and feed their kids is really sickening and sad,somethinghad to give I hope those who really need the help get it and the elderly shame on those

[@jayara9843]

Why aren’t these people working?

[@unvisible805]

i trade my foodstamps for pokemon cards

[@jonblake9163]

I believe it.

[@illuminusmaximus7643]

😎I don't know where they do that at over here the issue is you having ID and people looking at what your buying with a grimey look

[@MattSezer]

Why where they still shooting standard definition video in 2012?

[@wardcasey5703]

Time to have special stores for special people

[@joshmg25]

Yeah, I used to work at 7-Eleven, and I had customers use their EBT card and bought beer with it. Since I need my job, I didn't say anything, but I desperately wanted to cancel the sale and tell them to gtfo.

[@RogerBarraud]

joshmg25 You *do* know that beer is a food, right? :-/

[@mpaxton8991]

If you hadn't they would have torn up your store, shot you in the head or both!

[@murphmurph2124]

You are full of shit

[@ryujistorm]

EBT cards have CASH BENEFITS on them too, dipsh*t!

[@S955US84]

The obese black woman @0:27 looks like she never went hungry a day in her life. That processed hair, blue contacts and multiple piercings come with a hefty price. And who knows how many of her kids that other people's tax dollars are supporting. She looks young, healthy and strong enough to work. She should be given a one year notice - if you don't work, your benefits are being terminated.

[@kathybrown2322]

yes it's amazing how most of these people have their hair nails pedicure wear nice clothes jewelry driving nice cars and people like me who works their ass off when I can't afford half of the things that these freeloaders have no I'm not jealous just don't think my taxes taken from my paychecks should go to lazy people who are having kids they can't afford to feed why should tax payers be punished because a bunch of fat asses want to screw and have a bunch of future freeloaders

[@victorstalick5528]

Where is her "baby daddy (s), who should be supporting her and her children.

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

I was almost able to buy coconut scented car freshener with my EBT.

[@rockybalboa8312]

God we need trump bad as ever

[@gbuster129]

Some people ask the question, "What makes you think you are better than me?". The taking of hand outs for which you have not worked places you morally beneath the person who worked and paid the taxes in order for you to leach off him/her.

[@sundnerw]

Make them work for their food stamps... pick up trash ... work as crossing guards ... etc.

[@reggveg]

I live in Baltimore 90% of the people on welfare sell their money on their EBT card. 9 out of 10 are drug addicts. 90% are able-bodied people who don't want to work. These people screw the people who really need help. I knew a guy who was on welfare he was able to get pain management from a made-up injury through Medicaid along with pain management they gave him Percocet pain killers which he sold and pocketed $900.00 a month thanks to the hard-working taxpayers.

[@blobbyblob2573]

Being poor is self inflicted

[@annlolmaugh4491]

Blobby Blob not always.companies downsize, people get terrible illnesses,men and women don't pay their child support.etc..

[@littlebird3167]

@@annlolmaugh4491 I've had things like that happen to me and when I couldn't find a job, I started a business from nothing. And never even thought to turn to the government. So, Blobby Blob is correct, being poor is self inflicted.

[@tjp9257]

Thank the Democrats! Go Hilliary Clinton! If you want more of the same! HaHa

[@dustyheartbreak7410]

my mother was and still kinda is one of these people I could never understand it I remember being so embarrased the older I got this was when they looked like "funny money" they were paper I thankfully have never been on any assistants it's a shame people are just so careless

[@jennymanhattan9425]

That's not EBT food stamps used at ATMs. That's impossible. That's TANF. TANF is cash benefits to cover necessities like hygeine etc.