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  Geebo 9:00 am on November 4, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: government scams ( 11 ), Government Shutdown ( 4 ), impersonation scam ( 199 ), Scams ( 1,608 ), SNAP   

  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.

  Further Reading:

  • Abilene BBB warns of scam risk amid SNAP benefit uncertainty (KTAB/KRBC)
  • BBB Scam Tracker—Report a Scam
  • IdentityTheft.gov—Official FTC Recovery Help
   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on October 6, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: government scams ( 11 ), Government Shutdown ( 4 ), impersonation scam ( 199 ), medicaid ( 2 ), medicare ( 22 ), Scams ( 1,608 ), SNAP   

  Shutdown Fuels Federal Impostors 

  

  By Greg Collier

  With the federal government shutdown creating uncertainty across the country, consumers are being urged to stay alert for scams that exploit the disruption. Officials in North Carolina recently issued a warning after seeing signs that criminals are using the shutdown to impersonate federal agencies and obtain personal or financial information. The concern is not limited to one state, since the agencies being mimicked operate nationwide and shutdown-related confusion affects people in every region.

  Past shutdowns have shown that scammers quickly adjust their tactics to match the moment. During previous funding lapses, people reported fraudulent claims about suspended Social Security checks, frozen food assistance, or threats that Medicare coverage would end unless immediate action was taken. In some instances, callers falsely offered help to federal workers or contractors struggling with missed paychecks, using the shutdown as cover to push loans or collect personal data.

  These schemes commonly arrive by phone, text message, or email and rely on pressure and urgency rather than credibility. Scammers often use caller ID spoofing or fake email domains to make their messages appear to come from federal agencies. That technology can make it difficult for people to immediately recognize that the communication is fraudulent.

  Government officials are emphasizing that legitimate agencies will not make unsolicited requests for sensitive information or demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or similar methods. Any unexpected outreach from someone claiming to represent a federal program should be treated with caution. People are encouraged to end the communication and reach out directly to the agency using verified contact information if there is reason to confirm anything.

  In North Carolina, the Consumer Protection Division of the state Department of Justice is continuing to accept fraud complaints during the shutdown. Other states have similar channels for reporting suspicious activity. Remaining cautious, especially when receiving messages that appear urgent or threatening, is one of the most effective ways to prevent financial or identity theft while the shutdown continues to create opportunities for exploitation.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 15, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: EBT Cards ( 4 ), Scams ( 1,608 ), skimmers ( 4 ), SNAP   

  EBT Theft Victims Left Behind 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In Lynchburg and across Virginia, a growing number of residents who rely on Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase food are reporting unexpected losses from their accounts. These incidents, attributed to an ongoing scam, are creating serious hardships for families who depend on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

  Each month, local officials report that tens of thousands of dollars are disappearing from EBT accounts. Although the exact method behind the scam remains unclear, authorities have confirmed it is not related to traditional card skimming. The result, however, is the same. Funds meant to support essential food purchases are gone without warning, and for many, there is no way to recover them.

  This challenge has become more difficult since a federal policy change took effect in December 2024. Prior to that, victims of EBT theft were often reimbursed for stolen benefits. Now, that reimbursement is no longer available. Families who experience unauthorized transactions on their accounts must absorb the loss entirely, without any replacement funds from the government.

  Officials at the local and state levels acknowledge the seriousness of the issue. Some have pointed to the possibility of legislative solutions which could address benefit security more directly. However, for the time being, there is no clear timeline for changes or restoration of reimbursements.

  In the meantime, those affected are being encouraged to take precautionary measures, such as using the Connect EBT app to lock their cards when not in use, regularly updating their PINs, and avoiding online transactions. While these steps may reduce the risk of theft, they do not address the losses already sustained by victims.

  The situation highlights an ongoing vulnerability in the distribution of public assistance and underscores the challenges families face when unexpected disruptions occur. As the scope of the scam becomes clearer, so too does the need for a coordinated response that can restore both security and trust in the system.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 6, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: atm skimmer ( 5 ), EBT Cards ( 4 ), food stamps ( 5 ), Scams ( 1,608 ), skimmers ( 4 ), SNAP   

  The hidden crisis of how scammers prey on vulnerable welfare recipients 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In our interconnected world, where technology and communication thrive, the specter of scams looms ominously. Contrary to the common perception that only the affluent fall prey, the truth is stark. Scammers operate with ruthless efficiency, targeting the most financially vulnerable among us. No one, regardless of their financial status, is immune to these dangers. 

  In December, a 70-year-old California woman found herself in an unthinkable situation at the checkout line of a grocery store. Despite having diligently saved her monthly benefits from the federal food assistance program, she was told she had only $6 in her account. What she discovered next was that someone had gained unauthorized access to her food stamp card, siphoning off over $4,000. Her ordeal is just one example of a pervasive issue affecting countless welfare recipients across the country.

  For individuals like this, who rely on public benefits such as food stamps and cash assistance, the threat of exploitation is relentless. Scammers employ illegal skimming devices to lift payment card data from unsuspecting victims, using the information to create fake payment cards and drain their accounts. These schemes target various card-based payments, including welfare programs that use electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards.

  Unlike credit and debit cards issued by banks, EBT cards lack fraud protection, leaving recipients vulnerable to digital theft. The outdated technology of EBT cards, which lack chip technology, exacerbates this vulnerability. Despite the prevalence of skimming schemes, the transition to more secure payment structures has been slow, hindered by logistical challenges and a lack of federal mandate.

  Victims of skimming often endure days without groceries, resorting to food banks, skipping meals, or borrowing money to survive. The emotional toll is equally devastating, with victims facing anxiety and fear over their financial security. Many are left without recourse for their losses.

  Before swiping your EBT card at ATMs or point-of-sale terminals, inspect the card reader for any signs of tampering or unusual attachments. Look for loose parts, adhesive residue, or anything that seems out of place. If something looks suspicious, use a different machine or report it to the store or relevant authorities.

  When entering your PIN at an ATM or checkout terminal, shield the keypad with your hand or body to prevent anyone from observing or recording your PIN.

  Regularly review your EBT card account statements and transaction history for any unauthorized or suspicious activity. Report any discrepancies or unauthorized transactions to the issuing agency or bank immediately.

  Consider changing your PIN regularly, especially if you suspect your card may have been compromised. Choose a unique and strong PIN that is not easily guessable.

  If your EBT card is lost or stolen, report it to the issuing agency or bank immediately to have the card deactivated and prevent unauthorized use. Prompt reporting can help minimize the risk of fraudulent transactions.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 28, 2020 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: food stamps ( 5 ), Scams ( 1,608 ), SNAP, text messaging ( 37 )   

  Food Stamp scam affecting the country 

  

  The current pandemic has seen the meteoric rise of a number of original scams on a never seen before basis. The majority of these scams have targeted those who have been negatively affected economically by the pandemic. At first, it was the scammers who were trying to steal your economic impact payment. This was quickly followed up by scammers applying for unemployment benefits in every state by using stolen identities. Now, a new nationwide scam has emerged once again targeting those who are the most financially vulnerable in our society.

  States from Pennsylvania to Hawaii are reporting about a text message scam that’s promising victims SNAP benefits. You may know SNAP better under its former name of food stamps. The scammers are sending text messages stating that the recipient is eligible for SNAP benefits even though they may not have applied for them. With so many people facing economic hardships in the country, this scam has the potential to claim a record number of victims. While some who have never had to apply for SNAP may think it’s relatively easy to get these benefits, the reverse is actually quite true. So if someone who is desperate to receive additional food benefits receives this text message there is great potential that they could fall for this scam.

  More than likely, the scammers are after one of two things. They either want your personal information to steal your identity, or they want a payment disguised as a ‘processing fee’.

  The states being affected by this scam have issued warnings that the state will never approach anyone randomly with the offer of SNAP. If you have applied for SNAP, you’ll always receive your approval in the mail. If you receive one of these texts, it’s best that you just delete the text. However, if you have questions or concerns about your SNAP benefits, you should contact your local SNAP office.