Unfortunately, due to the end of Congressional authorization, benefits stolen via card skimming, fraud, or other electronic theft after December 20, 2024, cannot be reissued.
If your benefits are stolen electronically make sure to:
- REPORT it to:
- your local law enforcement agency
- REQUEST a new EBT card through:
- the EBT Recipient Hotline: 1-888-EBT-PENN (1-888-328-7366) (open 24/7)
- your local County Assistance Office (CAO)
- FIND immediate food assistance by:
- calling 211 or visiting www.211.org
- visiting pa-navigate.org/
Below are a list of potential threats, scams, and frauds targeting benefit recipients, of which we are currently aware.
New scams are being hatched all the time, so here are tips to keep you and your accounts safe:
At ATMs and In Stores
- Always have your EBT card with you when you’re shopping – SNAP and other benefits should never be used without your card present.
- Learn how to spot skimming devices and check ATMs and retail card readers for skimming devices before using your card.
- Do not share your PIN with others
- Change your PIN regularly, at least monthly right before your payment date, to keep your card safe
Online
- Only use your card on legitimate, secure sites and apps that state they accept EBT cards.
- Keep your device(s) updated and install a dependable anti-virus program.
- Create strong and unique passwords for accounts, especially if they store your payment information.
- Avoid making purchases and using sensitive information online when connected to public Wi-Fi.
- Be vigilant about emails or texts that request payment, fund transfers, or personal and/or account information, especially if they demand immediate action.
- Never give out personal or account information over the phone, in email, or via text messages.
Stay alert and monitor your account so you can report fraud and suspicious activity immediately.
- It is a good idea to check your EBT balance and purchase history regularly to make sure there are no unexpected purchases or balance inquiries. We also recommend changing your PIN monthly right before your payment date. You can easily monitor your card through the only free, official myCOMPASS PA mobile app.
- If you have questions or believe your account has been compromised, immediately contact your local County Assistance Office.
- If you believe theft has occurred, the CAO will cancel your current EBT card and issue you a replacement EBT card. This is a preventative measure as just changing your PIN may not prevent future theft from occurring since the perpetrator still has your active card number. Sending a new card will cancel the previous card number as an extra layer of protection for your benefits.
Currently Known Scams
Targeting | Program | Description | Contact | Date Posted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Public | EBT and ACCESS Cares | Text messages claiming benefits have been deactivated. The scam message tells recipients to call a (833) 786-6243 number to activate it. | County Assistance Offices | 11/13/2024 |
| Retired Pennsylvanians via Facebook | Fee for Service | Facebook messages promising money for a service charge/fee There are scam Facebook messages sent promising $50,000 from the PA Department of Human Services, but you have to pay a "fee". REMINDER: DHS will NEVER ask for money in exchange for benefits. If you have questions, please contact your local CAO or call the Fraud Tip Line. | DHS fraud tip line: 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477) or the Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) website. | 8/23/2024 |
| General Public | EBT and ACCESS Cares | EBT Skimming for SNAP benefits. Reports of stolen SNAP benefits in the Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania region due to card skimming devices and has referred these reports to the US Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, which oversees SNAP and SNAP retailers nationwide. Individuals are also encouraged to report any SNAP theft to local law enforcement. | DHS fraud tip line:
| 6/6/2024 |
| General Public | EBT and ACCESS cards | Text Messages claiming "EBT card is locked" For example, one scam message read: | County Assistance Offices | 4/10/2024 |
Targeting | Program | Description | Contact | Date Posted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid Recipients | Medicaid | Medicaid recipients are receiving text messages informing them that their PA HealthPlan application is due. Upon calling the telephone number in the text message, callers are told that they must pay $125 in fees and taxes by credit card or their benefits will be closed. | Your credit card company | 12/11/2023 |
Medical Assistance Recipients | Medicaid/CHIP | Texts from “Health Services,” “Health Solutions,” or “Innovative Partners”
Phone numbers involved in potential scam: 855-572-6201 -|- 863-222-9611 -|- 224-258-0570 -|- 833-369-2932 -|- 888-677-6074
Email addresses involved in potential scam: @innovativepartnerslp.com | 10/04/2023 | |
General Public and Retailers | SNAP | Mass Texts | 04/27/2023 | |
General Public | EBT and ACCESS cards | Mass Texts | 02/25/2023 | |
General Public and Retailers | EBT Cards | Card Cloning | 09/27/2022 | |
Elderly | SNAP | Phone Calls Requesting EBT Card Numbers | 09/27/2022 |