Pines woman accused of stealing SNAP benefits from over 200 people. What to know

A Pembroke Pines woman was arrested after an eight-month investigation into a fraud scheme that allegedly drained more than $120,000 in food assistance benefits from about 200 victims.

Authorities say she used stolen EBT card numbers to make unauthorized purchases and resold the items for personal profit.

FULL STORY: Pembroke Pines woman charged in $120,000 SNAP benefits fraud case, cops say

Here are key takeaways:

• Pembroke Pines police arrested Tamica Brown, 43, at her home on April 7 after a warrant was issued. She was jailed on a $300,000 bond.
• Brown faces charges of trafficking in counterfeit credit cards and criminal use of personal identification information. The investigation began in July 2025 after a report of fraudulent EBT card use at a Walmart in Cooper City.
• Authorities say Brown obtained stolen EBT card numbers, PINs and account balances that were transmitted to her electronically by phone. A search of her cellphone revealed hundreds of stolen card numbers and PINs saved in her phone’s notes application.
• Detectives say she used the stolen information to buy items like energy drinks and sports drinks, then resold them to corner and convenience stores. She also allegedly made online purchases through Amazon and Walmart, shipping items to addresses she controlled.
• Brown acknowledged her role and agreed to a 60-40 profit split with another individual, according to the arrest affidavit. The stolen accounts reflected a combined balance of $122,637.03 from December 2024 through July 2025.
• Many victims discovered the theft only when they tried to use their benefits to buy food for themselves or their families and found their accounts had been depleted.

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