SNAP benefits are for those families with a low income in the USA. They need this Food Stamp money to buy nutritious food. Stealing money from those families that need it the most is something disposable. Unfortunately, there are people who take advantage of other people regardless of their financial situation.
Officials in Pennsylvania warned of a new SNAP scam. The Department of Human Services also warned SNAP recipients of a new text scam that could have access to their food stamps checks. Once you receive the text, it requests you to provide information regarding your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program EBT card. EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer and SNAP beneficiaries can use it to pay.
What do these SNAP scammers want you to do?
They want you to give them information regarding your EBT card. They make you believe your SNAP card has been blocked. Whether you get SNAP checks or not, you may have received the text message. It is always best to go to your SNAP office or contact them by phone. Rather than clicking on any links you may have received.
When you have not requested any SNAP information or text messages, it is best to ignore them. Scammers take advantage of people who are not aware of their evil doing. Once you receive a call or text message that is suspicious, call the Department of Human Services in Missouri. The sooner they can warn the police, the faster they can track them.
Why should you never give personal information regarding your Food Stamps?
In the first place, because the Department of Human Services will never request it. Of course, they will never ask you for personal information regarding your SNAP EBT card or your personal identification number -PIN. The same goes for other benefits like Medicaid, SSDI, and so on. Even if the DHS in Missouri may sen you a text message, it will not be like that.
Do not trust messages asking for SNAP amounts or specific personal information. What is more, do not access links from unofficial sites. It is best to visit the site the way you always do. But without clicking any links. Scammers take advantage of the changes the SNAP checks may suffer. Or any other benefits. As the emergency allotment finished, many beneficiaries might have thought they received more money than they were entitled to.
What can you do if you give them personal information regarding your SNAP EBT card?
If you believe scammers had access to your EBT card, you should contact the Department of Social Services of Missouri. It could also be the case that you lost your EBT card or that it is broken. In those three cases call 800-997-7777. Then, you can inform them of what happened to you and ask them for a replacement. Another possibility is to call the FSD Information Center.
Their phone number is 855-FSD-INFO (855-373-4636). Be careful not to fall for scams like this one. It does not matter if it is phishing, card skimming or any other method. Try to be calm and wait. Doing things on the spur of the moment may not be the best piece of advice. Then, talk to relatives and friends to see if they have received one too. Call the SNAP agency if you want to make sure right away.