Government officials are investigating a potential single act of fraud in its SNAP benefits program that occurred on Tuesday.
According to preliminary reports, the card was found on the Facebook page: "NEW JERSEY ONLINE SALE PAGE," and the poster is reportedly from Newark.
The post asks buyers to purchase up to $200 of Food Stamps on the card for $140 in cash. According to the image on the card, the seller hid the account number but did display a total balance of $2,380.
RLS Media reporters working on the story were able to confirm the posting on the page at 12:09 p.m. before the auction site pulled the item at 1:06 p.m. today.
USDA officials said it is illegal to use the Families First Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, used to distribute SNAP food benefits and welfare cash assistance, at any of these locations:
• Liquor Stores
• Casino/Gaming
• Adult Entertainment/Establishments Strip Clubs
It is also illegal to sell or purchase SNAP benefits, officials said.
The authenticity of this SNAP card could not be confirmed at this time.