SNAP Benefits 2022: Beware of These Scams That Aim to Steal Your Food Stamps

SNAP benefits 2022 for August will be distributed as a supplemental payment on or about August 3, with a household size of one allowed to receive a maximum SNAP allotment of $250.

In addition, each additional member over a household size of 8 will receive an extra $188.

Recipients should be on the lookout for various schemes and scams to fraud you of your SNAP benefits.

The Department of Transitional Assistance in Massachusetts issued a warning to residents of skimming SNAP benefits scams that have affected some DTA clients. The department and its probing arm became aware of banks and retailers who appear to have had their ATMs and card processing terminals compromised.

The SNAP benefits scams are focused on obtaining credit, debit, and Electronic Benefits Transfer card information, including Personal Identification Numbers.

Skimming is the use of an electronic device to obtain card information from a card reader and create a fake card to steal money or benefits.

The DTA advises clients to change their PIN on their EBT cards at this time and before each scheduled benefit issuance date.

The DTA in Massachusetts has assured clients that they had taken preemptive steps to protect the SNAP benefits of clients, such as multiple targeted text messages and creating a notice to inform clients.

SNAP Benefits Scams

The DTA created a webpage dedicated to advising clients on how to better protect their benefits, including a hotline to report their concerns.

To change the EBT card's PIN, they can call 800-997-2555, choose their preferred language, and enter the number on the front of the recipients' card.

Recipients are instructed to press 2 to PIN EBT card and to enter the last 4 Social Security numbers.

Cardholders will then be asked to choose a different PIN after entering their date of birth.

Aside from Massachusetts, Connecticut has also warned SNAP benefits recipients about SNAP Benefits scams.

The state's Department of Social Services warned that skimming scams are trying to obtain EBT card information at retail and grocery stores, according to a Go Banking Rates report.

Beneficiaries do not have guaranteed protections against loss or theft of their cards or benefits under federal law.

The department has also received reports of phishing. In this scam, recipients receive text messages about their SNAP benefits.

It was reported that these text messages connect recipients to a phone number that asks them to provide their EBT card number and PIN.

The Social Services noted that the department does not communicate through text.

New York City Human Resources Administration joined the calls of warning about SNAP benefits scams.

Documented NY reported that the department had identified 2,297 instances of fraud so far this year in its July newsletter.

There is also a recent rise in SNAP thefts in the Chinese community in Brooklyn in recent months.

Protect SNAP Benefits 2022

To protect your EBT card, it is advised to never leave it anywhere out of your physical control while you are outside. Recipients should not also leave it lying around your house unattended either.

Yahoo Finance noted that if your EBT card is stolen, you should call customer service right away. Once reported, your EBT card is disabled and you will be told to get a new card.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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