LexisNexis® Risk Solutions Study Reveals SNAP Fraud Costs Surge to $4.14 Per $1 Lost as Digital and EBT Schemes Escalate
Volume of fraudulent cases has doubled since 2024 - Expanded digital access and multi-program eligibility systems are fueling identity theft, EBT account takeovers, and delays
ATLANTA, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LexisNexis® Risk Solutions today released its fourth annual True Cost of Fraud™ Study for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) agencies and Integrated Eligibility Systems (IES). The report reveals that the cost and volume of SNAP fraud have risen sharply over the past year, driven by the accelerated shift to digital channels, increasingly sophisticated Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) theft schemes, and complex multi-program eligibility systems. The findings of this year's report are especially significant given the administrative and programmatic changes introduced to SNAP agencies across the country by House Resolution 1 (H.R. 1).
According to the 2025 study, the average monthly rate of fraudulent SNAP applications and post-issuance cases has doubled since 2024. For every $1 in SNAP benefits lost to fraud, agencies now incur $4.14 in total costs, up from $3.93 a year ago.
"SNAP is a lifeline for millions of families, and these findings highlight how increasingly sophisticated criminals are targeting this critical benefit program," said Amanda D' Amico, Senior Director at LexisNexis Risk Solutions. "Digital channels and expanded eligibility systems improve access but also expand the attack surface. Agencies that leverage real-time data, identity verification, and digital authentication solutions to detect fraud and increase cross-program collaboration can turn the tide against fraud while ensuring timely benefits for those in need."
Key Findings
- Digital Channels Driving Fraud Growth: Agencies reporting high volumes of online and mobile applications saw disproportionately higher fraud losses, with digital channels now accounting for nearly half of all fraud costs. Scammers are increasingly using stolen identities and unauthorized point-of-sale terminals to conduct EBT account takeovers, card skimming, and cloning.
- Fraud Risks Rise with Broader IES Integration: The spread of IES across Human Services programs (SNAP, Medicaid, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)) is creating more access points for fraudsters. Fraud costs rise to $4.18 per $1 lost in multi-program systems and as high as $4.55 where five or more programs are integrated.
- Integration + Quality Data Can Reduce Fraud: Agencies that fully integrate systems, cross-share data, cross-train staff, and reassess identity on non-SNAP originating applications report lower fraud costs—$3.98 per $1 lost—and fewer errors.
- Delays, Errors, and Turnover Undermine Integrity: Agencies overwhelmed by application volume, staffing shortages, outdated systems, and poor data quality are falling short of federal timeliness requirements. Nearly half report lower productivity and 74% report increased errors, eroding confidence in eligibility decisions.
- Human Impact is Mounting: Delayed approvals can cause hunger, malnutrition, and financial stress for households in need, while compounding low morale and high turnover among staff.
"This year's findings paint a sobering picture of the escalating threats SNAP agencies face," said Haywood Talcove, CEO of LexisNexis Risk Solutions Government. "Fraudsters are exploiting digital channels and artificial intelligence, stealing identities, and leveraging sophisticated schemes to divert critical benefits. Without modernization, robust data sharing, and strong identity verification, fraud will continue to drain resources from the people who need them most. The good news is that agencies investing in advanced fraud detection are proving it's possible to protect integrity while simultaneously improving access to benefits."
About the 2025 Study
The True Cost of Fraud™ Study for SNAP Agencies and Integrated Eligibility Systems surveyed 150 senior decision-makers across state and county agencies nationwide in June–July 2025. The study evaluates the cost, volume, and types of SNAP fraud, the operational resources agencies devote to prevention, and the impact of modernization and data quality on application timeliness, payment accuracy, and caseworker experience.
Download a copy of the True Cost of Fraud™ Study for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Integrated Eligibility Systems (IES).
Register here for an informative webinar on the study on October 14, 2025.
About LexisNexis Risk Solutions
LexisNexis® Risk Solutions harnesses the power of data and advanced analytics to provide insights that help businesses and governmental entities reduce risk and improve decisions to benefit people around the globe. We provide data and technology solutions for a wide range of industries including insurance, financial services, healthcare, and government. Headquartered in metro Atlanta, Georgia, we have offices throughout the world and are part of RELX (NYSE:RELX), a global provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers. For more information, please visit www.risk.lexisnexis.com and www.relx.com.
Media Contact:
Paul Eckloff
LexisNexis Risk Solutions
Mobile: +1.202.941.6986
[email protected]
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