Shapiro administration warns of potential SNAP benefits scam, reminds public of safe ways to apply for assistance
Repurposed from PA.GOV | The Official Website for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh is informing Pennsylvanians of a potential scam targeting individuals who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits wherein a social media post directs individuals to an offer for emergency SNAP benefits and a link to a website in order to obtain their personal information.
The scam, primarily found on Facebook, involves a link to a Google form, beginning with a “sites.google.com” address, that implies that 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.
This is a scam.
“DHS will never ask for personal information on Facebook, on a Google site, in an unsolicited email, text message, or phone call. If someone is claiming to be from or affiliated with the Department and they are asking you for your personal information, it is a scam,” said Secretary Arkoosh.
Please 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). Pennsylvanians who have questions about whether a call, text, letter, or other communication is legitimate should contact DHS’ Office of Income Maintenance.
For more information, please visit the following link: Shapiro Administration Warns of Potential SNAP Benefits Scam, Reminds Public of Safe Ways to Apply for Assistance (pa.gov)
