Safeguard Your Public Assistance Benefits From Being Scammed #1,165
Federal public assistance food benefit programs and EBT cards are essential resources for low-income individuals and families. They provide access to necessary food and supplies. However, scammers are taking advantage of people who are struggling to make ends meet.
Public Assistance Scams — How to Protect Your Benefits
To start, it’s important to know about two types of public assistance benefits: federally funded food benefits and EBT benefits. Both programs are essential for families and individuals with limited money. Understanding how these systems work can help you recognize and avoid common scams.
- Federal Funded Food Benefits – These programs help low-income families meet their basic food needs.
- EBT Benefits – EBT cards help people receive benefits, and the card looks like a debit card.
Scammers have found clever and tricky ways to take advantage of people who receive federal public assistance food benefits. It is important for cardholders to stay informed and alert.
How Scammers Target EBT Cardholders
- Card Skimming – Scammers install skimming devices at ATMs or point-of-sale machines to steal card information. Once they have your details, they can drain your benefits.
- Phishing Scams – Fraudsters send fake emails or texts pretending to be from government agencies, tricking cardholders into sharing personal information like Social Security numbers or PINs.
- Fake Customer Service – Scammers set up fake helplines that request personal details, such as card numbers, in exchange for “assistance.”
How Scammers Target Federal Food Benefit Recipients
- Imposter Scams – Fraudsters claim to represent government agencies, offering “additional benefits” in exchange for a fee or your personal details.
- Social Media Scams – Bogus ads on social media promise extra funds or immediate benefit approvals but require you to provide sensitive information.
- Fake Application Websites – Some scammers create fake websites that look official and encourage you to input your personal information.
Red Flags and Ways to Protect Yourself
Knowing the warning signs of public assistance scams can help you avoid falling for them. Here’s what to look for and how to stay safe:
Red Flags
- Unsolicited Communications – Beware of calls, emails, or texts that say they offer extra public assistance benefits or ask for your personal information. These messages can be suspicious.
- Requests for Payment – Federal public assistance benefits are free. If someone asks you to pay for quicker processing or larger benefits, they are trying to scam you.
- Urgent or Threatening Language – Scammers often use fear tactics, such as threats to cancel your benefits, to pressure you into acting quickly.
- Unfamiliar Websites or Apps – Always check if online platforms are legitimate before you enter your information.
Protect Yourself
- Guard Your Information – Never share your EBT card number, PIN, or Social Security number with anyone claiming to represent any federal or other programs.
- Inspect Payment Machines – Before swiping your card at a store, check for skimmers or anything unusual on the device.
- Monitor Your Account – Regularly check your EBT balance for any unauthorized transactions. If you are unsure about a request, contact your local benefit office directly.
Below is an example scenario of a common public assistance scam:
- You receive a text message that appears to be from your benefits office. It says your public assistance benefits are about to expire, and you need to update your account to keep them. The message includes a link to a fake website that looks real. When you enter your EBT card number and PIN, the scammer uses your information to steal your benefits.
What to Do If You’re Scammed
If you believe your EBT card or federal food benefits have been compromised, act quickly:
- Report It Immediately – Contact your local EBT office or SNAP customer service to report the fraud and freeze your card.
- File a Police Report – Contact your local law enforcement agency and file a report. Provide as much detail as possible.
- Protect Your Account – Change your PIN and monitor your account for suspicious activity.
- Report the Scam – Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Resources
Check out the PSAs below to learn more about these scams:
NOTE! If your EBT card is scammed, contact your state's EBT customer service helpline to report the card has been stolen and request a new card. You can find your state’s information at SNAP State Directory of Resources.
Summary
Scammers keep changing their tricks to target people who are vulnerable. To protect yourself, be careful with unexpected messages. Keep your personal information safe, and report anything suspicious right away.
Stay alert to make sure your public assistance benefits help you and your family as they should. Stay safe, stay informed, and tell others in your community to protect themselves too.
Stay Safe!