SNAP scammers call, ask for information amid benefits freeze
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients are getting scam calls asking users to verify their eligibility and provide a PIN to access benefits, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
The department said the calls are primarily coming from three numbers: 1-888-239-7710, 1-888-272-8720 and 1-888-737-6551.
A statement from the department said it will never ask for personal information in an unsolicited text message, email or phone call. Any suspicious calls should be reported by calling 1-844-DHS-TIPS.
The scam announcement comes days after the department announced SNAP benefits would not be paid for November and onward until the federal government shutdown ends and SNAP funds are released to the states.
The funding freeze began Oct. 16.
DHS reminded recipients they must still complete renewals and report changes to income, contact information or residency during the shutdown.
Federally-mandated changes will take effect Nov. 1, so recipients should also still report their work, school or volunteer participation to the department.
