PENNSYLVANIA — The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about scams targeting people who rely on SNAP benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Sheriff Kraus said one scam promises recipients an immediate $1,000 for food if they click a link, but the link is used to steal personal information, including Social Security numbers.
Another scam involves callers or text messages asking for EBT card numbers and PINs under the guise of verifying or unlocking benefits.
Officials emphasized that social service agencies will not ask for this information in these ways.
“You should never give out your EBT card number and PIN to someone you don’t know or trust,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Residents who believe they have been targeted or scammed are urged to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services at 1-888-328-7366.
