According to Vibes.okdiario , SNAP recipients in Pennsylvania are being targeted by a scam that uses fraudulent text messages to steal personal information. Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), has issued a warning to participants about this deceptive scheme, which falsely claims that their EBT cards have been deactivated.
What is the scam targeting SNAP recipients?
The scam involves text messages that inform SNAP beneficiaries that their EBT cards have been deactivated. The message often includes a phone number and instructs the recipient to call to reactivate their card. However, these messages are entirely fake and are designed to collect sensitive personal and financial information.
Dr. Arkoosh stressed that the DHS never requests personal details via text messages. Any such request, especially related to financial or identity information, is not legitimate and should be treated as a red flag.
How to recognize a fraudulent message
To avoid falling for this scam, SNAP recipients should be aware of several warning signs. The DHS typically does not contact beneficiaries via text message to request sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or EBT card information. Scammers often make errors in their messages, such as poor grammar, spelling mistakes, or unusual phrasing, which can help users identify fraudulent attempts.
Furthermore, the DHS does not deactivate EBT cards without prior notice. If there is a legitimate issue with a card, the department will communicate securely through official channels, not via text message.
What to do if you receive a suspicious message
If you receive a suspicious text about your SNAP benefits, Dr. Arkoosh urges you not to respond or call the provided number. Engaging with these messages can expose you to identity theft or financial fraud. Instead, SNAP recipients should report any suspected scams.
You can report fraudulent messages by contacting the DHS fraud tipline at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477). This hotline allows you to alert authorities, who can investigate and take action to protect others from similar scams.
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Protecting personal information
Safeguarding your personal information is crucial to avoid scams like this one. SNAP recipients should be cautious when dealing with unsolicited requests, especially those coming through unofficial channels. Sharing personal or financial details with unknown entities can result in identity theft, financial fraud, or other consequences.
The DHS is committed to protecting SNAP beneficiaries and encourages recipients to stay informed about potential scams. If you have a legitimate concern about your EBT card, use the official DHS website or verified customer service numbers to resolve the issue securely.
Tips to prevent SNAP-related scams
- Verify the source: If you receive a suspicious message, check its authenticity by contacting DHS through official channels. Do not rely on the information in the message itself.
- Avoid sharing personal details: Never give out sensitive information, such as your Social Security number or bank account details, to unknown parties.
- Consult official resources: If you’re unsure about your EBT card status, visit the DHS website or call verified customer service numbers.
- Report fraud attempts: Reporting suspicious messages helps authorities investigate and protect other SNAP recipients from falling victim to similar scams.
As scams targeting SNAP beneficiaries continue to rise, it’s important to remain vigilant and informed. Fraudsters often take advantage of moments of confusion or vulnerability, especially in systems like SNAP, where recipients rely on these benefits for essential needs like food. By staying calm and critically assessing any unsolicited messages, recipients can avoid falling prey to these scams and protect their personal information.
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