Food Stamp Scam

There’s a scam going around to steal your food stamps.

Numerous reports have come in that people are receiving text messages, emails, and phone calls requesting their personal EBT card number and PIN used to access Food Stamp and SNAP benefits.

Jennifer Tidball with the Missouri Department of Social Services tells News Talk KZRG “The Department of Social Services will not email, text, or call an individual receiving Food Stamp or Temporary Assistance benefits to ask for their EBT card and PIN. We want to make sure Missourians are aware of this current fraud activity and remind them to always keep card numbers and PINs in a safe place and never respond to anyone asking for that information. So far, we have not received reports of Missouri victims losing benefits through this scam and we want to keep it that way.”

If you suspect you have received a fraudulent text, call, or email, do not respond. Instead, report it immediately to the Welfare Investigations Unit or call 877-770-8055.

Keep your information safe:

• Never respond to texts, calls or emails asking for your private information such as birth
  date, social security number or EBT card number or PIN.
• Never share your PIN with anyone.
• Select a PIN that cannot be easily guessed (i.e., do not use your birth date, sequential numbers like 1234, or repeating numbers like 4444).
• Memorize your PIN. Do not write it down on your card or keep it written in your wallet.
• Do not use your PIN as a password for other bank and non-bank services.
• Be aware of others nearby when entering your PIN at an ATM or at a grocery store