Programs News

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania- Officials in Pennsylvania are alerting residents about a potential scam related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh says that the scam is when SNAP recipients receive an email asking them to share their personal information.

The email used for the scam is [email protected] and implies that the SNAP recipients may be eligible for a “settlement payment” upon filling in the personal information.

Secretary Arkoosh said, “DHS will never ask for personal information 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. Please do not fall victim to identity theft. If you ever receive a suspicious call or text asking you for information about your benefits or your financial information, please inform the DHS fraud tip line immediately so the proper authorities can investigate.”

The department does send informational text messages and phone calls to people receiving benefits from the number 1-833-648-1964. But the text messages never contain requests for a person’s personal information, links to unofficial sites, and details about a person’s benefits.
If the public feels like they are scammed, then the public can make a report and call the Public Assistance Fraud Tip Line at the helpline number.