In Los Angeles, various SNAP benefits scams have become a common case of reporting in February, with some beneficiaries noting that their food stamp money has vanished despite never using their Electronic Benefits Transfer card or EBT card.

Los Angeles County officials estimated that more than $19.6 million in EBT benefits were stolen in 2022, which was more than a 20-fold increase from the previous year, as reported by Los Angeles Times.

L.A. County Deputy Dist. Atty. Alex Karkanen said that people are "hemorrhaging money," adding that scams got to be stopped.

A spokesperson for the California Department of Social Services, Jason Montiel, said that the agency is considering the use of cards with chips, but did not provide a specific timeline at the time.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently issued a warning on March 9, urging beneficiaries to be cautious of an EBT scam claiming in a text that their EBT cards are blocked.

READ NEXT: SNAP Benefits Update: Are You a Victim of SNAP Scam? There's a Chance You Could Get Your Money Back!

EBT Card Blocked

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services also issued a warning on Thursday on a possible SNAP benefits scam targeting beneficiaries, with victims receiving text messages claiming that their EBT cards have been blocked and will be prompted to provide their EBT card information.

FOX 43 reported that acting DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh noted that people who are not SNAP beneficiaries have also been targeted.

Arkoosh said in a press release that people receiving a suspicious text or call asking for personal information should inform the DHS fraud tip line immediately.

The acting DHS secretary went on to say that the agency will never ask recipients in Pennsylvania information about their EBT card, SNAP benefits, Medicaid, or any other public assistance programs they are receiving through unsolicited or random calls or texts.

Arkoosh said that the DHS uses the number 1-833-648-1964 when sending informational messages to people who receive SNAP, Medicaid, or other benefits.

SNAP Benefits Scam

Arkoosh said that some examples of DHS's legitimate texts are like this: "Is your contact information up to date with DHS? Don't miss important info about your benefits. Update your information at dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS."

Mostly, the messages are about renewals and updates about the mailed renewal packet, according to Local 21 News.

Recipients can take certain steps to avoid SNAP Benefits scams such as contacting their respective state SNAP offices immediately if they have fallen victim to food stamps theft, as detailed by Forbes.

There are states that allow SNAP beneficiaries to cancel their cards and request new ones online.

Some recipients can also ask for a reimbursement depending on where they live.

In California, SNAP beneficiaries can be reimbursed for their stolen benefits. However, it might take a long time.

It is also advisable to have your PINs changed often. Ideally, it should be done each month before your issuance date.

SNAP benefits recipients can contact their state's SNAP office to change their EBT cards' PINs.

READ MORE: SNAP Benefits Update: USDA Warns of Scammers Using EBT Card Skimming to Steal Your Money

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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