DHS Warns of Potential EBT Card Scam
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Meg Snead is advising Pennsylvanians of a potential EBT card scam.
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Individuals, regardless of whether they are recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), might receive a text message stating that an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is about to expire or that there is a pending benefit transfer for their EBT card with a reference number attached. When a recipient of this scam responds, they are asked to give personal information.
DHS will never ask for information about an EBT card, SNAP, or any other public assistance programs via unsolicited or random calls or texts. Please report any texts or calls about DHS benefits that seem suspicious by calling the DHS fraud tipline at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).
About Informational Texts from DHS
DHS does send informational text messages to people who receive SNAP and other benefits from the number 1-833-648-1964. 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, or
Links to unofficial sites; most DHS texts will direct people to dhs.pa.gov, COMPASS, or a site that ends in .gov, .org, or .com.
Pennsylvanians who have questions about whether a call, text, letter, or other communication is legitimate should contact DHS’ Office of Income Maintenance. EBT balance and transaction inquiries as well as card replacements can be requested from DHS’s EBT contractor, Conduent, at 888-328-7366. In addition, Pennsylvanians can access their EBT balance through the free myCOMPASS PA mobile app in a safe and secure manner.
Safely Apply for Assistance
Applications for public assistance programs can be submitted online. On-site County Assistance Office (CAO) services are available if clients 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 at 1-877-395-8930.