Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh is informing Pennsylvanians of a potential scam phone call targeting individuals who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that directs the user to call a number to verify their identity, or their benefits could be canceled.
Benefit recipients are also reminded to lock their EBT cards when they are not in use to protect their benefits from theft and skimming.
“DHS will never ask for personal information in an unsolicited text message, email, or phone call. If someone is claiming to be from or affiliated with the Department and they are asking you for your personal information, it is a scam,” Arkoosh said. “Please do not fall victim to identity theft. If you ever receive a suspicious call asking you for information about your benefits, please inform the DHS fraud tip line immediately so the proper authorities can investigate. I also encourage people to use our new card lock safety feature on the ConnectEBT app or website that allows you to lock your EBT card when not in use to protect your SNAP and Cash benefits from skimming and theft.”
In this most recent scam, individuals have reported receiving a call from one of the numbers listed below that directs them to call back and verify their identity or their SNAP account will be closed. When calling the phone number, an automated recording says, “Thank you for calling the PA EBT Customer Service. Enter your card number.” These calls are not from PA DHS, and EBT users should not share their card number or any other personal or identifying information.
The scam phone numbers include: 888-273-6954, 844-239-5136, 888-592-8936.
Report any texts or calls about DHS benefits that seem suspicious by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).
How to lock your EBT card
SNAP and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients can lock and unlock their EBT cards using Conduent’s free and secure ConnectEBT app, available on Apple and GooglePlay app stores, or via the Connect EBT website. Upon creating or logging into their ConnectEBT app or website user account, recipients can simply tap the Lock/Unlock Card button.