The Alabama Department of Human Resources has issued a serious new warning to low-income families who rely on SNAP benefits to make ends meet. There has recently been an increase in the number of reports of thieves targeting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.
These criminals, taking advantage of the vulnerability of those who depend on this assistance, pose as employees of the Department of Human Resources (DHR) or EBT Customer Service to steal personal information and access benefits.
How Do Scammers Who Steal EBT Cards Take Action?
In the many reports that have been made to police in recent weeks in the state of Alabama, scammers present themselves as official representatives, claiming that the recipient’s SNAP benefits account is blocked.
With this excuse, they request sensitive information such as EBT card numbers, PINs and other personal data, under the pretext of verifying the customer’s account. This is your first red flag, and you should hang up the phone right away. For clarity, DHR has emphasized that no legitimate representative will call or text requesting such information under any circumstances.
“These thieves are attempting to take advantage of those most in need of assistance by any means at their disposal,” said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner in a statement. “It is vital for those receiving benefits to protect their personal information.”
They Could Even Contact You Via WhatsApp
One of the newest modes of operation of EBT card thieves has even led them to communicate via WhatsApp, and they try again and again until someone takes the bait. Some make up stories, like that they need to “reset” your PIN number, or that your card is blocked, and you must give them those digits, or your ID number or your SSN to unlock the account, and so many other evil lies.
Another type of scam is called skimming, which is the use of electronic devices to copy your card information and clone it to spend money on it.
It is always advisable to verify that the ATM or payment device in which you insert your card is free of foreign objects and that you do not see anything out of the ordinary. Always shop at trusted retailers, and when you’re somewhere new, make sure everything is in order before you swipe the magnetic stripe at the POS.
Recommendations to Avoid Being a Victim of Scams
DHR has provided a number of recommendations to help beneficiaries protect themselves against these scams:
- Do not provide personal information to strangers: Never disclose your personal information to people or organizations you do not know.
- Suspect Suspicious Calls: If you receive a call that seems suspicious, hang up immediately without providing any information.
- Be careful with urgency: Be wary of those who pressure you to “act now.”
- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is: Maintain a healthy skepticism of unusual offers or requests.
- Don’t trust caller ID: Scammers may spoof phone numbers to appear legitimate.
- Never share your PIN: Do not reveal your EBT card PIN to anyone.