Scammers Exploit SNAP Delays Amid Shutdown Confusion
By Greg Collier
A new scam warning out of Abilene, Texas, could soon spread nationwide. With the ongoing federal government shutdown disrupting SNAP benefits, scammers are using the moment to strike vulnerable families from coast to coast. What started as a local warning has the potential to become a nationwide scam targeting anyone who depends on SNAP to feed their family.
What’s Going On:
As the shutdown continues, millions of households relying on SNAP benefits are facing uncertainty about when their assistance will arrive. Scammers are jumping at the opportunity, posing as SNAP representatives to “verify” personal information—but their real goal is identity theft.
The Better Business Bureau in Abilene says families are getting phone calls, emails, or texts from imposters pretending to be from the government. They claim they need details like your Social Security number or driver’s license to “restore” benefits. Once they get that data, they can open credit accounts, drain funds, or steal your identity entirely.
Why It’s Effective:
When food benefits are on the line, fear makes people act fast. Scammers know this. They tailor their calls and emails to sound official, even citing real headlines about SNAP delays caused by the shutdown. BBB President John Riggins says these “government imposters” rely on trust and confusion—making victims believe they’re helping fix a problem when, really, they’re creating one.
Red Flags:
- Unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from SNAP or any government office.
- Requests for personal data such as SSNs, bank info, or driver’s license numbers.
- Threats or urgency, saying your benefits will be cut off if you don’t comply.
- Refusal to provide proof by mail or official documentation.
No government agency will ever call or text to request your personal information.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never share personal data unless you initiated the contact.
- Ask for proof by mail and verify it directly with your local SNAP office.
- Hang up immediately if the caller becomes aggressive or demands sensitive information.
- Block unknown numbers through your carrier or phone settings.
- Report scams to the BBB’s Scam Tracker so others can be warned.
Each report helps build a bigger picture—allowing investigators to connect dots across state lines and stop similar scams before they spread.
If You’ve Been Targeted:
- If you think you’ve already shared information with a scammer, act fast:
- Contact your bank or credit union immediately. Explain that you may have been a victim of a scam and ask them to monitor or freeze your accounts if needed.
- Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov
to get a recovery plan and official documentation. - Change passwords and PINs on any accounts you believe may be compromised.
- Alert your state SNAP office so they can note your account and prevent fraudulent activity.
- Keep records of any calls, texts, or emails from the scammer—they could help investigators track the operation.
Even if you didn’t lose money, reporting the attempt helps others stay safe. Scammers often hit multiple people in the same area, so your report could be the missing puzzle piece.
Final Thoughts:
Scammers are exploiting fear and confusion at a time when millions are simply trying to put food on the table. Whether you live in Texas or anywhere else in the country, stay alert and don’t share your information. If someone claims to be from SNAP, hang up, verify, and report it.
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