# US SNAP program error rates and fraud investigations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-snap-program-error-rates-and-fraud-investigations
> Updated: 2026-10-21T04:09:59.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Illinois has reported rising error rates in its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with improper payments increasing from 11.56% in 2024 to 14.67% last year. This trend places the state among the five highest in the United States for error rates. Experts have attributed these issues to antiquated technology and criminal exploitation, warning that taxpayers could face costs up to $700 million without improved identity verification.

Concurrently, a nationwide enforcement surge by the Department of Justice, the USDA, and the Department of Homeland Security has uncovered nearly $42 million in fraudulent SNAP benefits. This operation, involving thirteen U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Utah Attorney General’s Office, resulted in charges against more than 40 defendants. Total intended losses across various USDA programs are estimated at nearly $45 million between September 1 and October 21.

Specific schemes identified include the theft of EBT account information and social media-driven fraud. One major case involves two defendants accused of using stolen EBT information to facilitate approximately $29.7 million in fraudulent transactions. Additionally, social media personality Mercedes New, also known as ‘Shawty Dred’, is accused of causing $4.4 million in losses by accessing hundreds of SNAP accounts. As part of the crackdown, the Department of Homeland Security launched an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation targeting undocumented immigrants, including Haitian and Cuban nationals, accused of unlawfully obtaining benefits.

## Claims

- The enforcement surge uncovered nearly $42 million in SNAP fraud. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- More than 40 defendants were charged in the enforcement actions. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Total intended losses to the federal government were nearly $45 million. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Mercedes New is accused of causing $4.4 million in SNAP losses. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Department of Homeland Security launched an operation targeting illegal immigrants accused of SNAP fraud. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The enforcement surge occurred between September 1 and October 21. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Two defendants are accused of a scheme involving $29.7 million in losses. (single source)
- Five illegal migrants were arrested for unlawfully exploiting SNAP benefits. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: US authorities uncover $42 million in SNAP fraud during nationwide crackdown

A multi-agency US enforcement surge has uncovered nearly $42 million in SNAP fraud, leading to charges against over 40 defendants and a DHS operation targeting undocumented migrants accused of benefit fraud.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-authorities-uncover-42-million-in-snap-benefit-fraud

### 2026-10-13: Illinois SNAP error rate risks hundreds of millions in taxpayer costs

Illinois faces high error rates in its SNAP food subsidy program, which could cost taxpayers up to $700 million due to antiquated technology and identity fraud.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/illinois-snap-error-rate-risks-hundreds-of-millions-in-taxpayer-costs

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Cite as: US SNAP program error rates and fraud investigations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-snap-program-error-rates-and-fraud-investigations