The U.S. Department of Agriculture urges you to protect your benefits from scammers trying to steal your benefits.
Skimming scams
Thieves are installing skimming devices on card readers at some banks and stores. The devices copy information from your electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card and your personal identification number (PIN) The thieves can then steal your benefits. To be safe, change the PIN for your EBT card right away. You should also change your PIN before the days you will get future benefits.
Phishing scams
Some people are getting scam text messages saying that their Pandemic EBT benefits have been blocked. The texts tell people to call a number and give their P-EBT card number. If you get a text like this, do not call the number and do not share your EBT/P-EBT card number. You should never give your personal information or card number to people you don’t know.
Report fraud
If you think you are the victim of these scams, call your state or local SNAP office:
- Massachusetts – 877-382-2363
- Rhode Island – 855-697-4347
- Directory of SNAP offices