Hundreds of people — including a single mother of three and an elderly woman — have been identified as victims in an alleged food stamp fraud scheme that drained more than $120,000 in benefits, according to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said the scheme involved the theft of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits issued through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which function like debit cards and require a PIN to access funds.
The investigation began on July 20, 2025, after a victim reported fraudulent use of their EBT benefits at a Walmart location. Authorities said the complaint prompted a broader probe that eventually uncovered approximately 200 victims.
Deputies said losses tied to the alleged scheme have exceeded $120,000, and investigators have since interviewed more than 30 individuals affected by the fraud.
Authorities allege that Tamica Brown, 43, operated an organized scheme that involved illegally obtaining EBT card numbers and PINs. Investigators said the stolen information was transmitted electronically to Brown, who then used the data to make unauthorized purchases.
Among the items reportedly purchased using stolen benefits were energy drinks and sports drinks, investigators said.
Many victims only discovered the fraud when their EBT cards were declined at checkout, only to learn their benefits had already been depleted.
Brown was arrested on April 7 and is currently being held at the Broward County Jail. She faces multiple charges, including trafficking in counterfeit cards and criminal use of personal identification information.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue working to identify additional victims and determine whether others were involved in the alleged operation.
