Authorities have arrested a man accused of defrauding low-income Southern California residents by using ATM skimming devices to steal funds from electronic benefit transfer (EBT) accounts.
The suspect, 27-year-old Ioannis Alecsopoulos, allegedly used illegal skimmers to collect account details and withdraw money meant for recipients of programs like CalFresh, CalWORKs, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators say Alecsopoulos was caught in the act on February 1 at an ATM in Lancaster. He was allegedly seen using nine fraudulent EBT cards to withdraw over $4,000. Authorities say he then attempted to take out an additional $13,000 before being apprehended at the scene.
Upon searching his belongings, law enforcement officers discovered multiple tools linked to EBT fraud, including nine skimming devices, 94 altered gift cards, and eight pinhole cameras, which are often used to capture PIN numbers.
Alecsopoulos now faces a series of charges, including 10 felony counts of identity theft, three felony counts of grand theft, and one misdemeanor charge for obstructing law enforcement. Prosecutors argue that the crimes involved advanced planning and specifically targeted vulnerable individuals.
The suspect was arraigned on February 4, where prosecutors successfully requested his bail be increased to $500,000. A bail review hearing is set for February 10, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for February 19. If convicted, Alecsopoulos could serve up to 10 years in prison.
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State officials have raised concerns over the growing issue of EBT fraud. The California Department of Social Services reported that more than $100 million in EBT funds were stolen from recipients in the past year, with the majority of fraudulent withdrawals occurring in Los Angeles County.
Officials warn EBT users to be cautious of scams involving text messages, card skimming, and fake websites. They advise recipients to regularly update their PINs, use the card-locking feature, and shield their card details when making transactions.
“EBT theft cruelly robs vulnerable individuals of the financial assistance they depend on,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “In addition to harming those in need, this type of fraud also takes money from taxpayers. Our office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting these cases and working with local agencies to help victims recover their stolen benefits.”
Authorities urge the public to stay informed about potential scams and report suspicious activity to prevent further thefts.
More information on how to spot EBT scams, skimming devices, and pinhole cameras can be found here.
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