HARRISBURG, P.A. (WENY) - The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Shapiro administration is warning anyone who receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits about a potential scam. The potential scam is an attempt to obtain the personal information of individuals through a phishing email.

“DHS will never ask for personal information in an unsolicited email, text message, or phone call. If someone is claiming to be from or affiliated with the Department and they are asking you for your personal information, it is a scam. Please do not fall victim to identity theft. If you ever receive a suspicious call or text asking you for information about your benefits or for your financial information, please inform the DHS fraud tip line immediately so the proper authorities can investigate” DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh said in a prepared statement..

An email by the address of “[email protected]” sends a message implying that SNAP recipients might be eligible for a “settlement payment” which would require them to fill out their personal payment information. The Pennsylvania DHS warns that this is a scam.

While the DHS does send informational text messages and phone calls from the phone number 1-833-648-1964 to people who receive benefits, they will never ask recipients for their personal information. At times, the DHS will also call or text to let these individuals know about changes that could affect their benefits or upcoming renewal dates. DHS messages will not include details about people’s benefits, the amount of SNAP they receive, specific account numbers, requests for personal information, or links to unofficial sites.

The Shapiro Administration and the Pennsylvania DHS urges people to report any texts or calls about DHS benefits that seem suspicious by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).The public can also make reports through OSIG’S website or call the Public Assistance Fraud Tip Line at 1-800-932-0582.