Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh is informing Pennsylvanians of a potential text message scam targeting people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits that claims that a user’s EBT card has been deactivated and directs the user to call a number to reactivate it. This is a scam. DHS will never text people to say that an EBT card has been deactivated.

An example of the scam might look like this:

“DHS will never ask for personal information in an unsolicited text message, email, 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 Arkoosh.

If you receive a suspicious text asking you for information about your benefits or for your financial information, report by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).