The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is warning residents about fraudulent text messages and phone calls targeting Virginians who receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system.
Scammers are attempting to obtain personal, financial and EBT card information by sending messages that falsely claim an EBT transaction has been declined or that suspicious activity has been detected on a recipient’s card.
The messages may instruct recipients to reply or call a phone number to verify a transaction. These messages are fraudulent. Residents should not respond, call the numbers provided or share personal or EBT card information.
Some reported messages falsely claim to be from VDSS and reference declined purchases at retailers such as Walmart. Others warn of unusual account activity and ask recipients to confirm a transaction.
How SNAP and EBT recipients can protect themselves
Do not respond to unexpected text messages or phone calls about EBT transactions.
Do not call phone numbers included in suspicious messages.
Never share EBT card numbers, PINs or other personal or financial information.
Verify account concerns by contacting the official EBT customer service number at 1-866-281-2448.
VDSS is asking local departments of social services to share this warning and encourage benefit recipients to remain vigilant against potential scams.
Residents are encouraged to share this information with family members, friends and others who may receive SNAP or EBT benefits.
Anyone with questions or concerns about an EBT account should contact EBT customer service directly at 1-866-281-2448.
This content is sourced from
City of Danville
. It reflects the author's views and has not been edited by our newsroom. It may have been generated using AI assistance.
