Louisiana Woman’s Viral SNAP Scandal: A $35,000 Fraud Revealed
A Louisiana woman has recently found herself at the center of controversy after posting videos on TikTok boasting about a scheme to defraud the government of $35,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The incident raises significant questions about the ethics of food assistance programs and their impact on struggling communities.
The Controversy Unfolds
Koya Unek, known as @theyknokoya on TikTok, gained notoriety when she shared video tutorials on manipulating the system to receive free food assistance. In one viral clip from May 1, she encourages her nearly 93,000 followers to “start lying” in order to qualify for benefits. The video attracted nearly 48,000 likes, and while it may have garnered attention, it also caught the eye of law enforcement.
In her post, Unek claims to live alone, is single, and has no children. She details how she began applying for SNAP benefits two to three years prior, stating, “People be like, ‘Girl, how do you get food stamps? I wish I could get food stamps.’” Her response? “B**, you better start lying.”**
The Consequences of Her Actions
In an alarming twist, Unek confessed to lying about her financial situation when she spoke with a representative from SNAP. She claimed to have been homeless for several months and expressed feelings of desperation and hunger. This manipulation led to her receiving funds on a card, with $1,000 initially credited and additional monthly payments of $300.
However, her admission soon turned dire. In subsequent videos, she disclosed that authorities had caught wind of her deceit, likely due to her TikTok posts. Authorities informed her that her benefits would be discontinued, leading to a police visit where she was arrested for fraud.
“They turned my food stamps off and now I gotta pay back $35,000… I don’t know where the hell I’m gonna get that from,” she lamented in her video. Her story serves as a crucial reminder of the potential repercussions of sharing personal narratives on social media.
Why This Matters
SNAP is a lifeline for low- and no-income households across the United States, aiding approximately 42.1 million individuals monthly in 2023. As a vital program, it helps create food security for many families. The average SNAP benefit per recipient for fiscal year 2025 is estimated to be $187 per month, translating to about $6.16 per day.
Local and national discussions around SNAP often revolve around its necessity and effectiveness in alleviating hunger. As noted by Gina Plata-Nino, deputy director at the Food Research & Action Center, “Incentive-based approaches—not punitive restrictions—are the most effective, dignified path to improving nutrition and reducing hunger.”
Community Reactions and Reflections
Public reaction to Unek’s actions has been mixed. Many viewers questioned her decision to apply for SNAP in the first place. “If it’s free, I want it,” she explained, emphasizing the rising cost of food as her motivation. This sentiment resonates particularly strongly in today’s economic climate, where food prices continue to skyrocket.
What Lies Ahead?
As the story unfolds, Unek has expressed her anxieties while awaiting a court date related to her fraud charges. “Everyone, watch what y’all put on the internet because everything is not for the internet—and I learned that,” she stated poignantly.
Her situation raises essential discussions about the broader implications of social media as a platform for sharing personal struggles, and the potential consequences that may follow.
For more information on SNAP and its impact, check out USDA’s official page or read about the latest updates in food assistance programs.
