From $1,520 to $7 Million, USDA Shares Suspects’ Photos in SNAP Fraud Cases

The USDA identified at least $3 billion annually in alleged fraud from data supplied by participating states, estimating the total could exceed $10 billion nationwide.

Kelly McBride Ni

Published: 6/10/2026, 10:47:36 AM EDT

From $1,520 to $7 Million, USDA Shares Suspects’ Photos in SNAP Fraud Cases — Photos released by the USDA show individuals named in SNAP fraud allegations and the amount stolen from the food assistance program (U.S. Department of Agriculture)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) highlighted eight Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud cases, with alleged losses spanning from $1,520 to $7 million, as the Trump administration continues to ramp up efforts to crack down on fraud in the federal food assistance program.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins drew attention to the cases Tuesday in a post on X, featuring mug shots of eight individuals accused or convicted in SNAP-related fraud investigations.

“Steal SNAP. Get Busted,” Rollins wrote. “These 8 fraudsters thought they could steal food assistance money and get away with it. From $1,520 all the way up to $7 MILLION — the USDA Food and Nutrition Administration is coming for everyone. Justice served.”

The USDA titled the photos as “Tuesday Takedown,” along with the individuals' names, city and states, and how much they are reported to have stolen.

The announcement comes as USDA officials say that fraud within the program is more widespread than previously reported.

In a June 7 post on X, Rollins said the USDA requested SNAP data from states shortly after the Trump administration took office.

According to Rollins, data from 29 states showed nearly 200,000 individuals allegedly used Social Security numbers belonging to deceased people, and almost 500,000 individuals allegedly received benefits in multiple states.

“What we uncovered was staggering,” Rollins wrote, adding that the findings represented “just the tip of the iceberg.”

"We need to protect these programs for the Americans they were designed to help," she said.

Following her most recent testimony on June 4 before the House Agriculture Committee during an oversight hearing on USDA policy and budget, Rollins shared a clip from the hearing in a social media post and said that the USDA had never had access to state SNAP data until the Trump administration requested information directly from states.

She said the USDA identified at least $3 billion annually in alleged fraud from data supplied by participating states, estimating the total could exceed $10 billion nationwide.

"Individuals who intentionally break the rules for their own personal gain, such as lying about their income or identity to receive SNAP or selling their benefits for cash, face severe penalties including disqualification, criminal charges, and prosecution resulting in fines and/or prison time," states the USDA.

The department has paired its anti-fraud efforts with broader changes to SNAP. The USDA recently announced stricter requirements for retailers authorized to accept SNAP benefits.

Starting in Fall 2026, participating stores must stock at least seven varieties of foods in each of four staple categories: fruits and vegetables, dairy products, grains, and protein foods.

The USDA said the changes are intended to improve access to nutritious foods and reduce opportunities for abuse and trafficking of benefits. The agency also reported taking enforcement action against nearly 3,200 retailers during the past 14 months for alleged violations of existing SNAP requirements.

At the same time, several states are implementing new USDA-approved waivers restricting the purchase of certain products, such as soda, candy, and some sweetened beverages, with SNAP benefits.

SNAP participation fell by about 4.3 million people in January 2026 from a year earlier, following the enactment of H.R. 1 signed in July 2025. The law expanded work requirements, narrowed eligibility, and is projected to reduce federal SNAP spending by $186 billion over 10 years.