On the 10th of every month, SNAP benefits are reloaded and people like Clifford Wright make their way to the grocery store. When Wright called to check the balance before heading out, something wasn't quite right.

"It was nothing on it but 40 cents," Wright said.

Much to Wright's surprise, hundreds of dollars had been stolen from him.

"That's when I called the EBT card and they gave me the transactions, history and everything and it came out of Brooklyn New York," Wright said.

At that point, Wright reported the fraudulent expenses but it would be more than a week before he could get a new card with more benefits. He's still waiting on the card as of Tuesday evening and hoping to be able to make a trip to the grocery store soon.

"I need food. I mean it's very, very frustrating," Wright said.

A statement from the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services reads in part:

"Criminals have increasingly used a process called skimming to steal account numbers. This involves placing a device over a point-of-sale card reader, to copy payment card information."

From the start of the year until May 31st, ODJFS has received 7,657 fraud claims, approved 7,201 of them and issued $3,508,149 in replacement funds.

There are some ways you can protect yourself from fraud. ODJFS suggests locking your EBT card when not in use and changing your PIN monthly.

When creating a new PIN, ODJFS reports that it's best not to start with a 0 or 1 because those PINs are easier to crack when a card is skimmed. You should also never share that PIN or your card numbers. ODJFS said they will never ask you to reveal that information.

In addition, ODJFS suggests carefully examining the card readers to see if a skimming device has been placed on it, managing your benefits through the Connect-EBT app and covering the keypad with your body or hand when using your card to stop others from seeing your PIN.

If you suspect you've been a victim of fraud, you can file a report here.

If you live in Trumbull County, you can fill out the JFS 7011 SNAP Benefit Replacement Form by calling the agency at 330-675-2000.

In addition, you can report a lost or stolen EBT card or change your PIN by calling 1-866-386-3071.

For more information on how to protect your account, click here.