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HARRISBURG, Pa. – Acting Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Meg Snead is warning of a potential EBT card scam that could affect every Pennsylvanian.
According to Snead, potential victims, whether they receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits or not, get a text message stating that either their EBT card is about to expire or that there is a pending benefit transfer for their card. The message includes a reference number and when the recipient responds, they are asked to provide personal information.
“Do not fall victim to identity theft. If you have received unsolicited text messages asking you about your EBT benefits and for your personal information, it is a scam,” Snead said. “If you receive a suspicious text or call asking you for personal information, please inform the DHS fraud tipline at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477) immediately so DHS and other authorities can investigate.”
DHS said it will never ask for information about an EBT card, SNAP, or any other public assistance programs via unsolicited or random calls or texts. The department said it will occasionally send informational text messages to SNAP and other benefit recipients, but it will only come from 1-833-648-1964.
Anyone wishing to verify the legitimacy of communication purportedly from DHS should call 888-328-7366.
