Government and Politics
December 7, 2022
From: Iowa Governor Kim ReynoldsDes Moines - The Iowa Attorney General’s office and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services warn Iowans to be on the lookout for spam text messages regarding EBT cards.
EBT cards are used to distribute government benefits like food assistance, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamps.
Both agencies have recently received reports from Iowans of text messages that indicate their EBT cards are locked. The message includes a phone number to call for assistance. Iowa HHS did not send these messages.
Iowans should never share their card number or PIN number with anyone. Government agencies will never request your personal information, EBT card number, or PIN by text message.
This scam is particularly serious because those who receive benefits rely on these funds to feed their families. However, benefits lost due to fraudulent or scam activity cannot be replaced. If you are the victim of an EBT scam, you should file a report with your local law enforcement agency.
Scammers send messages to thousands of random phone numbers at a time. There is no indication EBT or SNAP households are being targeted directly.
If you received a spam text message regarding a locked EBT card, please file a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
The AG’s Consumer Protection Division provides the following tips for Iowans regarding spam text messages:
The Federal Trade Commission provide additional tips on spotting and reporting spam text messages. Read them here.