Angela Liriano, a 93-year-old Cuban residing in South Florida, has broken her silence after being caught up in a massive fraud scheme that left nearly 200 people without their Food Stamps.
Her story, marked by shock and helplessness, sheds light on the profound impact this crime has on those who rely on the SNAP program for daily survival.
"You need the money because, otherwise, you have to buy many things," Angela Liriano told Telemundo 51, visibly shaken after discovering her SNAP benefits card had been emptied without her knowledge.
Liriano recounted realizing the fraud at the most distressing moment: when she attempted to pay for groceries at the supermarket.
"I saw the card was empty... that's when I realized," she recalled.
At her age, she never imagined someone could use her benefits without permission.
Reflecting on her ordeal, Liriano cautioned other beneficiaries: "Report it immediately so action can be taken."
"Everything in life is discovered... so much time doing this, and now they finally caught her," she added.
Unveiling the Fraud Scheme
The case has personalized a crime that, according to authorities, was orchestrated for months by Tamica Brown, a 43-year-old woman arrested on April 7 in Broward County.
Brown faces charges for the criminal use of personal identification information and trafficking of counterfeit cards, following an investigation that spanned at least eight months.
The Broward Sheriff's Office reports the scheme began to surface in July 2025, when a victim reported the fraudulent use of their EBT card at a Walmart in Cooper City.
From that point, detectives uncovered an organized operation involving the theft of card numbers, PINs, and account balances belonging to SNAP beneficiaries.
Impact on Vulnerable Communities
"According to investigators, Tamica Brown managed to steal card numbers and accessed the account balances of these individuals receiving government nutritional benefits," explained spokesperson Claudinne Caro.
With this information, the accused made unauthorized purchases, primarily of high-demand items like energy and sports drinks, which she later resold at convenience stores to convert benefits into cash.
Authorities also noted that at least two accomplices were involved in obtaining and transmitting the stolen data, and these individuals remain at large.
Beyond the criminal network, the consequences have been devastating for the victims.
Like Liriano, dozens discovered the fraud in the worst way possible: at the checkout counter, attempting to pay for food and finding their accounts completely emptied.
The affected include single mothers and elderly individuals, particularly vulnerable groups who rely almost exclusively on this assistance.
Widespread Consequences and Legal Proceedings
Total losses exceed $120,000, though some reports suggest the figure could be as high as $300,000.
So far, more than 30 victims have been formally identified, but authorities estimate the total number could approach 200.
The impact was not only financial. For many, regaining benefits involved weeks of paperwork, phone calls, and waiting, revealing the system's limitations in quickly responding to such fraud.
Tamica Brown remains in custody with a $300,000 bond as the judicial process continues.
Authorities hope this case serves as a warning about a type of fraud that has reached alarming proportions nationwide: the federal government has had to replace hundreds of millions of dollars in stolen SNAP benefits in recent years.
Understanding the SNAP Fraud in Florida
What was the main method used in the SNAP fraud scheme?
The scheme involved stealing EBT card numbers and PINs to access account balances, which were then used for unauthorized purchases.
Who was primarily affected by the SNAP fraud in Florida?
The fraud predominantly affected vulnerable groups, including elderly individuals and single mothers who rely heavily on SNAP benefits for their daily needs.
How are authorities responding to this type of fraud?
Authorities are conducting investigations and making arrests to dismantle such fraudulent networks, while also working to improve systems to prevent future occurrences.