ANGOLA, N.Y. (WIVB) — Victims of food stamp theft — whether through electronic fraud or EBT skimming — can no longer get refunds, leaving many local families struggling as grocery prices soar.

The temporary federal law Congress passed in 2022 to allow refunds of stolen benefits with federal funds expired almost a year ago. Only retroactive claims can be replaced with federal funds.

Renee Adams, of Angola, learned the hard way.

Adams said she received her benefits card on Nov. 10, but realized the funds were stolen when she tried to use her EBT card. Adams said she has no idea how the theft happened.

An Erie County Department of Social Services clerk showed her a list of transactions on her EBT card from New York City. For example, one transaction for $94 was at a deli in the Bronx. Ano

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