HARRISBURG (KDKA) – The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is warning Pennsylvanians of a potential scam targeting individuals who receive Supplemental Nutritional Assitance Program benefits.
Pennsylvania DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh said that the scam is coming by way of text messages to those recipients claiming that their EBT card has been deactivated. In the message, it directs the recipient to a number to call in order to reactivate their card.
“DHS will never ask for personal information in an unsolicited text message, email, or phone call,” Dr. Arkoosh said. “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.”
Anyone who may have received these texts or calls regarding their benefits are being asked to call the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-347-8477 or on their website at this link .
“Protecting the integrity of our assistance programs means staying vigilant against scams that seek to exploit them,” said Pennsylvania State Inspector General Lucas M. Miller. “Text message scams are becoming more common and can put people’s benefits at risk.”