The number of replacement food stamp cards issued by the state of Ohio is down - meaning fewer were lost, stolen and used fraudulently.
State data show Ohio issued nearly 328 thousand replacement electronic benefit cards in 2013, down 8 percent from 2012. During that period, participation in the program increased.
Food stamp benefits are uploaded monthly on benefit transfer cards, which are similar to debit cards and require a personal identification number.
The Dayton Daily News reports that some cards are legitimately damaged or lost to thieves. But some people sell or trade their cards on the streets or online for money or drugs.
State and federal agencies have vowed to crack down on food stamp fraud by more closely monitoring card replacement requests.