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Pa. Dept. of Human Services warns SNAP recipients of scam texts

State Human Services Dept. warns SNAP recipients of scam texts
State Human Services Dept. warns SNAP recipients of scam texts 00:42

HARRISBURG (KDKA) - Yet another mobile scam has made its way to Pennsylvania. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Meg Snead warned of a potential phishing scam targeting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.

The message reads that the person was "approved for $1,000" in SNAP benefits but must click a link to obtain it. 

While DHS does send messages to those who get SNAP benefits, those come from the 1-833-648-1964 number. 

They also do not ask or include the following: 

  • Details about a person's benefits, such as the amount of SNAP they are authorized to receive
  • A request for specific personal information
  • Links to unofficial sites; most DHS texts will direct people to dhs.pa.gov, COMPASS, or a site that ends in .gov, .org, or .com.

They're asking anyone to report suspicious texts claiming to be DHS or about DHS benefits to call the fraud tipline at 1-844-347-8477. 

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