I didn't think people used printed food stamps anymore? Isn't everything on a debit-type card these days? If so, how do they sell them?
Prob means a debit EBT card but called them food stamps.
A few yrs ago someone was at a convenience store in Lynn MA and bought a bunch of soda cans via an EBT card. She then
took the cans ==still full of soda== and deposited them in the redemption machine (thus damaging it) to get a refund of the deposit. It turned out she had a fake name and a bunch of EBT cards with different names.
At a convenience store in Beverly MA tonight someone tried to pay for some stuff with their EBT but the clerk told them they were down to their last 79 cents on it.
“It’s the first of the month, there should be some money left in it...oh well, I’ll come back tomorrow”. She left the stuff with the clerk to put back. Your tax dollars at work.
They "Rent" the card (and the PIN) to the "Buyer" for an amount that is less than the balance on the card. The buyer uses the card to purchase whatever, and then returns the card to the renter.
Apparently it's very common.
There are several scams.
They sell the food they buy for a lot less. Lobster, steaks and other high price food items. Usually have a regular buyer.
They use the card themselves or sell it and then wait and report it stolen or lost. Not something they can usually pull more than once or twice. But they can “rent” out the card and PIN.
Sometimes they are in a scam with the store. They get paid money and the store gets reimbursed for products never actually sold. Usually mom and pop type stores.