A single mother with three children went without groceries, a 95-year-old woman and other vulnerable people found themselves without access to their nutritional needs. More than 30 people fell victim to a fraud suspect who stole their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for financial gain. That fraud suspect, Tamica Brown, now sits in jail.

SNAP is a federally funded program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Food and Nutrition Service. Eligible recipients access their funds through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which works similarly to a debit or credit card. Recipients access their benefits using the EBT card and a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN).

The investigation began on July 20, 2025. BSO Cooper City deputies responded to the Walmart located at 4700 S. Flamingo Road after a victim reported fraudulent use of their EBT card. BSO investigators said they identified approximately 200 victims and a combined loss of more than $120,000. Investigators have been able to track down and interview more than 30 victims so far.

The eight-month-long investigation revealed Brown, 43, operated an organized fraud scheme where she unlawfully obtained EBT card numbers belonging to SNAP recipients, associated PINs, and account balances from multiple sources. Evidence indicated that these card numbers were stolen by unknown means and transmitted to Brown electronically by way of phones.

Investigators say, after receiving the stolen EBT information, Brown used the card numbers and PINs to conduct unauthorized transactions involving the purchase of high-demand items, including energy drinks such as Red Bull, Celsius, Monster and sports drinks such as Gatorade and soda.

BSO Cooper City investigators say Brown resold the fraudulently purchased merchandise to corner stores and convenience stores. This allowed her to convert stolen government benefits into cash for financial gain.

Investigators say victims discovered their benefits had been stolen when they attempted to use their EBT card to purchase food for themselves or their families. The victims learned their benefits had already been depleted, forcing them to leave the store without being able to purchase the food and items they needed.

BSO investigators developed probable cause for Brown’s arrest. Pembroke Pines police officers arrested her on BSO’s warrant on Tuesday, April. 7. She is being held in the Broward County Main Jail on charges of trafficking in counterfeit credit cards (50 or more cards) and criminal use of personal identification information (over 30 victims).

BSO Cooper City District worked the eight-month-long investigation with the collaboration of the State Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Division, the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG) and Walmart.