Over half a million stolen from food benefit participants in NC between August and September, DHHS says

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says over $554,000 in Food and Nutrition Services benefits was stolen from Aug. 18 to Sept. 6.

DHHS says it began blocking online transactions from Florida, New York, and Connecticut that appeared to be connected to fraud. More than 470 program participants fell victim.

“The vast majority of those thefts did take place and it was through online at the BJ’s Wholesale Club,” said Jerquitta Hicks-Smallwood, the deputy director of FNS at DHHS. “We do not have a pinpointed connection for BJ’s. It just shows those benefits that were stolen were used online at BJ’s Wholesale Club.

The department recommends victims submit a request for reimbursement by Sept. 30. Once their claim is processed, they’ll receive a new card in the mail. However, stolen SUN Bucks benefits will not be replaced.

“We ask that they file a police report if they feel like they have been a victim in this,” Hicks-Smallwood said.

The department recommends program participants check their accounts regularly, use a difficult pin and change it regularly, block out of state transactions, among other precautions.

CBS 17 reached out to BJ’s Wholesale Club for comment and is waiting to hear back.

More resources and information for program participants can be found here .

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