People in Pennsylvania who get SNAP benefits have recently been the target of a scam that uses fake text messages to steal personal information.
The Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Dr. Val Arkoosh, has warned SNAP members about this scam that tries to trick people into thinking their EBT cards have been deactivated.
Text messages telling SNAP recipients that their EBT cards, which are used to get SNAP payments, have been deactivated are part of the scam. People who get these messages will need to call the number given to register their cards again.
This message, on the other hand, is completely fake and is meant to get private personal and financial information from people who do not know any better.
What is this scam targeting SNAP users about?
Dr. Arkoosh has made it clear that the DHS will never ask for personal information through text messages. Soliciting information in this way, especially information about money or identity, is not a valid way for the department to communicate.
People who use SNAP need to be careful and learn how to spot the signs of a fake message in order to avoid falling for these types of scams.
Most of the time, the DHS does not text recipients to ask for personal information like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or EBT card numbers.
People who are trying to scam you often give themselves away by using bad language, spelling, or words that do not make sense.
Also, it is important to know that the DHS does not switch off EBT cards without warning. Any real problems with a card would be reported safely through official means.
What to do if you receive a suspicious message about SNAP
Dr. Arkoosh tells all Pennsylvania SNAP users not to respond to these texts or call the numbers given. Responding to fake texts can put private information at risk and raise the chance of identity theft.
Users are told to report any possible scam attempts instead of responding to messages that seem sketchy.
Calling the DHS fraud tipline at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477) is how beneficiaries can report these kinds of texts. People can call this hotline to report theft to the police, which helps them look into it and take the right action.
The importance of safeguarding personal information
To escape scams like this one, it is important to keep your personal information safe. People who use SNAP should be careful when dealing with requests they did not ask for, especially when they come from unofficial sources.
Giving out personal or financial information to people you do not know or responding to strange texts can have bad results, like identity theft or financial fraud.
The DHS is dedicated to protecting SNAP recipients and urges users to stay up to date on scams. If a beneficiary has a real problem with their EBT card, they should use the official DHS website or one of the department’s verified phone lines to call customer service.
Tips for preventing SNAP-related scams
Verify the source: If you get a word that seems fishy, make sure it is real by checking with the DHS. You should not trust the information in the text message.
Avoid sharing personal details: Do not give out private information like your Social Security number or bank account details to people you do not know.
Consult official resources: Instead of answering text messages about the state of your EBT card, go to the DHS website or call a verified customer service number.
Report fraud attempts: Reporting strange messages helps the police investigate and keeps other SNAP recipients from falling for the same scams.
The rise of scams aimed at SNAP recipients shows how important it is to know how to use technology and be aware of its dangers in a world that is becoming more and more linked.
Criminals often take advantage of people who are weak or confused, and the complexity of benefit systems like SNAP can make people who receive them more likely to be manipulated.
A lot of people who get EBT cards depend on them to get food and other things they need. Scammers take advantage of this sense of urgency to make people feel scared, which makes them make quick choices.
People who get unwanted messages need to stay calm and carefully read them, especially those that ask for personal information or action right away.