Keep An Eye Out For This SNAP Benefits Scam, PA Officials Warn

PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvanians: beware of a scam targeting those who use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the Shapiro Administration has warned.

The scam in question typically presents as a social media post that directs people to an offer for emergency SNAP benefits alongside a link to a website to obtain their personal information, according to officials.

The link, usually found on Facebook, begins with a "sites.google.com" address and is shared with a message that says SNAP recipients may be eligible for "$750 in emergency SNAP benefits" if they fill out their personal payment information.

"The post also states that there is an application deadline for SNAP – there is never an application deadline for SNAP benefits," the Shapiro Administration wrote.

Valerie A. Arkoosh, secretary of the Department of Human Services, added that the "DHS will never ask for personal information on Facebook, on a Google site, in an unsolicited email, text message, or phone call."

Officials clarified that the DHS does send informational text messages and phone calls to people who receive SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits from the number 1-833-648-1964, but that DHS messages will never included the following:

• Details about a person’s benefits, such as the amount of SNAP they are authorized to receive,
• A request for specific personal information, and/or
• Links to unofficial sites; most DHS texts will direct people to dhs.pa.gov, COMPASS, or a site that ends in .gov or .org.

DHS also sometimes makes phone calls to people receiving benefits to let them know about changes that could affect their benefits or upcoming renewal dates, though these contacts are for general information and will not reference specific account numbers.

Officials urge Pennsylvanians to report any texts or calls about DHS benefits that seem suspicious by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).

“It is vitally important to preserve public trust in our assistance programs. Pennsylvanians must stay alert about scams like this that can erode that trust, and we urge recipients to continue to protect their personal information," State Inspector General Lucas M. Miller added. "We encourage individuals to promptly report to the Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) any attempts to steal or exploit benefits."

The public can make such reports through OSIG’s website or by calling the Public Assistance Fraud Tipline at 1-800-932-0582.