HARRISBURG, PA — Scams have become an unfortunate part of our online landscape, and Pennsylvanians are not exempt. Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), has issued a warning about a new scam targeting individuals who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The fraudsters, primarily operating on Facebook, lure potential victims with the promise of “$750 in emergency SNAP benefits.” They use a Google form, starting with a “sites.google.com” address, to solicit personal payment information from unsuspecting SNAP recipients. The scammers further deceive by claiming a looming application deadline for SNAP – a false statement as SNAP benefits do not adhere to an application deadline.
This is a scam. An example of the scam might look like this:
“Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “DHS will never ask for personal information in an unsolicited email, text message, phone call, on Facebook, or on a Google site. If someone claims to be from or associated with DHS and requests your personal information, it is a scam.”
This scam is particularly insidious as it targets individuals who rely on SNAP benefits, often the most vulnerable members of our community. The consequences of falling victim to such a scam can be devastating, leading to identity theft and financial loss.
Secretary Arkoosh urges Pennsylvanians to report any suspicious texts or calls about DHS benefits by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).
State Inspector General Lucas M. Miller echoes Arkoosh’s sentiment, stating, “We encourage individuals to promptly report to the Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) any attempts to steal or exploit benefits.” Reports can be made through OSIG’s website or by calling the Public Assistance Fraud Tipline at 1-800-932-0582.
Although DHS does send informational text messages and phone calls to people who receive SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits, these communications will never include specific details about a person’s benefits, requests for personal information, or links to unofficial sites. Most DHS texts direct people to dhs.pa.gov, COMPASS, or a site ending in .gov or .org.
DHS also makes phone calls to individuals receiving benefits about changes that could affect their benefits or upcoming renewal dates. However, these calls are purely informational and will not reference specific account numbers.
Applications for public assistance programs can be securely submitted online at www.dhs.pa.gov/compass. On-site County Assistance Office (CAO) services are also available for clients who cannot access online services or need assistance that cannot be accessed through the COMPASS website, the MyCOMPASS PA mobile app, or by calling the Customer Service Centers.
In an era where personal data is as valuable as currency, scams like this are a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance when sharing personal information. As technology continues to evolve, so too do the tactics used by scammers. This recent scam serves as a stark reminder for Pennsylvanians to be cautious and verify the legitimacy of any communication asking for personal information.
Pennsylvanians who have questions about whether a call, text, letter, or other communication is legitimate should contact DHS’ Office of Income Maintenance. By staying informed and vigilant, Pennsylvanians can help protect themselves and their communities from falling prey to such fraudulent schemes.
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