Beware of a Latest Phishing Scam Targeting SNAP Users During Federal Program Uncertainty

CHICAGO (WLS) — A new phishing scam is targeting people in need.

The I-Team has been investigating cases where criminals are attempting to gain access to personal information related to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) accounts.

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Security experts say that scammers are texting people, telling them that their food benefits are at risk, and information needs to be “verified.”

But, if you fall for the SNAP phishing scam, your food card could be wiped clean.

The threatening texts say food cards are “currently locked” or that “your benefits are suspended.”

These fraudulent text messages prompt SNAP beneficiaries to dial a specified number under the premise of restoring their services; however, in reality, they are unwittingly contacting scammers who aim to steal their funds. According to security experts, there has been a rise in such SNAP-related scams, partially fueled by the uncertainties surrounding government assistance programs during President Donald Trump’s tenure.

“Given the current climate of possible budget cuts and policy changes, individuals are understandably anxious about the implications for their benefits. Exploiting this atmosphere of fear, scammers are capitalizing on the situation,” explained Steve Grobman, a representative from McAfee.

Experts say, like any scam, you are unlikely to get reimbursed, if you give up your own account information. This scam tricks you into doing just that.

“And they’re really tricking people into either calling a phone number or accessing a website where they then disclose critical information, sometimes including the actual credit card or debit card number, along with their PIN. So, people need to be very hyper-aware that if they get one of these messages that talks about a government program that’s potentially being impacted, they need to really take a pause,” Grobman said.

After you take a pause, reach out to the agency or business independently. Go to the SNAP website or any other government website on your own, usually ending in .gov. Then, get the phone number from that website or your SNAP card.

Security experts at McAfee and others say they can monitor these types of scams by posing as victims and using what they call “honeypot accounts.”

They also use sophisticated technology to monitor trends.