Summary of the Article: Romanian Nationals and EBT Card Skimming in California
This article details a growing trend of Romanian citizens entering the U.S. illegally to commit bank fraud, specifically targeting Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards used for programs like CalFresh and CalWORKS. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
The Scam: Criminals like Constantin Graur attach “complex skimming devices” to ATMs and sales machines to steal EBT card facts. This information is then used to create fraudulent cards and withdraw funds.
Graur’s Case: Graur, a Romanian citizen who overstayed his tourist visa, was recently sentenced for his role in the scheme. He worked with international accomplices, one of whom received over 36,000 stolen card numbers. Another accomplice, Mihai-Adrian Humoiu, was previously sentenced to over seven years in prison.
FBI Examination: The FBI’s Los Angeles division has been investigating this specific crime route for years, noting a pattern of Romanian citizens involved. Recent arrests include Virgil Negru, a Romanian city council member.
EBT Card vulnerability: Traditional EBT cards lacked microchips, making them easy to clone.
California’s Response: California recently rolled out new EBT cards with microchips in April 2023, and reports of skimming have decreased since then. The new cards can be used with the tap function.
Reimbursement Process: The state has improved its reimbursement process for victims of EBT fraud, now typically processing claims within 1-2 days (within a 10-day requirement) after a claim is filed within 90 days of the theft. There are limits to reimbursement amounts.
* Separate Case: Marius Marian, another romanian citizen, pleaded guilty to bank and asylum fraud for a similar EBT skimming scheme, having previously been deported for bank fraud in 2019.in essence, the article highlights a sophisticated, organized crime ring exploiting vulnerabilities in the EBT system, and the efforts being made to combat it through updated card technology and improved reimbursement processes.
