CHICAGO – Stolen food benefits are a growing problem throughout Illinois. WGN-TV reports during a 6-month span, more than $4.5 million was stolen from Illinois’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Money is loaded on an electronic card that can be used at most grocery stores, but thieves are placing skimming devices on in-store payment systems, allowing them to steal money from the cards. Illinois authorities plan on launching an information campaign letting card users know they can freeze and unfreeze their card each time they use it. The Illinois Department of Human Services app can also ban out of state transactions. If you think your SNAP benefits have been used by thieves, you can file a complaint and get tips and more information at link.illinois.gov.