Scammers are trying to steal your SNAP benefits in PA. Here's how to protect yourself
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Criminals have conjured up a new way to try to dupe people out of the credentials for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, by creating official-looking social media posts fraudulently informing people that the deadline to file for SNAP is approaching, and to act now to receive hundreds of dollars in additional SNAP funds.
Gov. Josh Shapiro's administration announced the scam alert on Tuesday.
"The scam, primarily found on Facebook, involves a link to a Google form, beginning with a 'sites.google.com' address, that implies that SNAP recipients may be eligible for '$750 in emergency SNAP benefits' if they fill out their personal payment information," read a portion of the alert from the Shapiro Administration. "The post also states that there is an application deadline for SNAP — there is never an application deadline for SNAP benefits.
"This is a scam."
Online SNAP scam looks to be authentic
The graphics used by the scammers make the ads appear genuine, and includes the SNAP water mark and traditional colors.
“The Department of Human Services will never ask for personal information on Facebook, on a Google site, in an unsolicited email, text message, 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,” said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh in a statement that accompanied Shapiro's alert. "Please do not fall victim to identity theft.
"If you ever receive a suspicious call or text asking you for information about your benefits or for your financial information, please inform the DHS fraud tip line immediately so the proper authorities can investigate."
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DHS will contact SNAP clients through text messages, phone calls from a distinct number
In its alert, the Shapiro Administration said it will only contact people who receive Medicaid and SNAP benefits through text and phone calls that originate from a unique telephone number: 1-833-648-1964.
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"DHS' text messages will not include details about a person’s benefits, such as the amount of SNAP they are authorized to receive; a request for specific personal information, and/or links to unofficial sites," read the alert from the Shapiro Administration. "Most DHS texts will direct people to dhs.pa.gov, COMPASS, or a site that ends in .gov or .org.
"DHS also, at times, makes phone calls to people receiving benefits to let them know about changes that could affect their benefits or upcoming renewal dates," the alert continued. "These texts and calls are meant to be informational and will not reference specific account numbers. Because of federal changes to SNAP and Medicaid, text alerts have been part of DHS’ statewide, multi-pronged outreach plan to reach Pennsylvanians and inform them of the changes."
The public can contact the Public Assistance Fraud Tipline at 1-800-932-0582 if they suspect or see any scams.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: PA SNAP benefits scam: Beware on online fraud, Gov. Shapiro says
