HONOLULU — The state Department of Human Services is warning Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients and the general public, after receiving a report from the U. S. Department of Agriculture of possible SNAP fraud attempts.
Be aware of a scam using texting to attempt to obtain personal information. The text might say the recipient was chosen to receive food stamps or SNAP. Anyone suspicious of whether the text is legitimate or a scam should contact the local SNAP office.
Never share personal information with unknown individuals or organizations. Personal information includes Social Security number, bank information, or SNAP electronic benefits transfer cards or PIN numbers.
If the text is suspected to be a scam, delete it, and do not reply to it.
Although there has been only one known fraud attempt in Hawai‘i reported to DHS specific to this warning, the department wants the public to be aware and prevent anyone from falling victim to the scam.
To stay on top of potential scams, visit the USDA’s SNAP scam-alert webpage at fns.usda.gov/snap/scam-alerts. Anyone suspected of being a victim of identity theft should contact the police for information regarding procedures for filing a report.
Consumer complaints can also be filed online with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov. The FTC is the federal agency responsible for protecting consumers from identity-theft scams.
Source: The Garden Island
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