HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a warning to residents about a recent text message scam targeting recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This deceptive scheme involves fraudulent messages claiming that a recipient’s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card has been deactivated, prompting them to call a number to reactivate it. DHS has confirmed that this is a scam.
DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh has emphasized that the department will never solicit personal information through unsolicited text messages, emails, or phone calls. “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,” she stated. Dr. Arkoosh urged individuals not to fall prey to identity theft and to report any suspicious communications to the DHS fraud tip line.
The public is advised to report any suspicious texts or calls about DHS benefits by contacting the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).
State Inspector General Lucas M. Miller also addressed the issue, highlighting the increasing prevalence of text message scams. “Protecting the integrity of our assistance programs means staying vigilant against scams that seek to exploit them. Text message scams are becoming more common and can put people’s benefits at risk. We strongly encourage Pennsylvanians to be cautious, avoid sharing sensitive information through text, and report any suspicious activity to DHS or the Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) immediately,” Miller stated.
Reports of fraudulent activity can also be made through the OSIG’s website or by calling the Public Assistance Fraud Tipline at 1-800-932-0582.
To distinguish legitimate communications from scams, DHS clarified that it sends informational texts and calls from the number 1-833-648-1964. Importantly, genuine messages will not request personal information, provide details about benefit amounts, or include links to unofficial sites. Legitimate URLs will direct recipients to websites ending in .gov or .org.
For those needing to apply for public assistance programs, secure submissions can be made online at www.dhs.pa.gov/compass. Additionally, County Assistance Offices offer on-site services for clients unable to access online resources or requiring further assistance. Clients in Philadelphia can reach support at 215-560-7226, while those in other counties can call 1-877-395-8930.
DHS occasionally contacts beneficiaries regarding changes affecting their benefits or upcoming renewal dates. These contacts aim to be informational and do not reference specific account details. As part of a statewide outreach plan, DHS continues to use text alerts, among other methods, to inform beneficiaries of changes due to federal actions affecting SNAP and Medicaid benefits.
The department urges all recipients to remain vigilant, be cautious of unsolicited requests for information, and report any dubious communications promptly to safeguard their benefits.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.