TEXAS, USA — A new scam is targeting Texas families using benefit programs.
According to Texas Health and Human Services (HHS), scam callers are trying to contact families using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Lone Star Cards.
Scammers are reportedly pretending to work for the Lone Star Card Help Desk, asking individuals for personal information like social security numbers and their date of birth.
The caller ID appears as 800-777-7328, and scammers will attempt to offer fake benefit opportunities.
"There are millions of Texans who need our benefits and we don't want them to get taken advantage of," Molly Regan, the deputy executive commissioner of HHS Access and Eligibility Services, said. "We know how important these benefits are so we're doing all we can to help prevent fraud and make it easy to report when it happens."
Since the scam was first announced Feb. 27, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) has reportedly received 10 to 15 daily complaints on its fraud hotline number.
As a general rule, it's important to avoid giving out personal information to callers over the phone, through text and/or email. These organizations will never ask for those kinds of details.
Those who have been directly impacted by the scam can call 800-777-7328 to speak with the Lone Star Card Help Desk and 800-436-6184 to submit a report to the OIG.
HHS also advises contact local law enforcement.
Scam victims can also find HHS locations not just in Austin, but across Texas in 11 statewide regions.