Crown Heights Shomrim Warns of EBT Phishing Scam Targeting Community Members
by CrownHeights.info
Crown Heights Shomrim is warning the community about a new and dangerous scam targeting recipients of EBT benefits, as criminals increasingly turn to sophisticated methods to steal funds from vulnerable families.
According to a recently circulated alert from Shomrim, scammers are now calling individuals while posing as “the EBT Office.” During these calls, victims are told that they must immediately provide their PIN number or risk losing their benefits in the coming month. The callers use urgency and fear tactics to pressure individuals into handing over sensitive information.
Shomrim is emphasizing that this is a scam. Government agencies do not call recipients to request PIN numbers or personal information. Once scammers obtain a victim’s PIN, they can quickly access and drain EBT accounts, often within minutes.
This latest tactic is part of a broader surge in EBT-related fraud seen across the United States. Federal and state officials have repeatedly warned that criminals are using phone calls, text messages, and phishing schemes to trick recipients into revealing their card details and PINs. In many cases, victims are told their benefits will be canceled unless they act immediately—mirroring the exact language reported in the Shomrim alert.
Authorities stress a simple but critical rule: never share your EBT PIN or personal information with anyone over the phone. Legitimate agencies will not request this information. If such a call is received, residents should hang up immediately.
The warning comes amid a wider wave of EBT theft that has cost recipients millions of dollars nationwide. Fraudsters have used a variety of methods in recent years, including:
– Phishing scams: Fake calls, texts, or emails designed to trick victims into revealing card numbers and PINs
– Card skimming: Devices placed on store terminals to capture card data during transactions
– Card cloning and electronic attacks: Criminals duplicating cards or exploiting system vulnerabilities to drain accounts
Investigations have shown that millions of dollars in SNAP benefits have been stolen through these methods, with some victims losing their entire monthly allotment in seconds.
CrownHeights.info has previously reported on similar scams impacting the community, including cases where benefits were stolen through skimming devices and fraudulent text messages. In many of those incidents, victims had little recourse, highlighting the importance of prevention.
Shomrim is urging residents to take immediate precautions:
– Do not share your PIN or personal information
– Hang up on suspicious calls immediately
– Regularly check your EBT account for unauthorized transactions
– Report suspicious activity to authorities and your EBT provider
If you believe your benefits have been compromised, officials advise contacting EBT customer service right away to freeze your card and request a replacement.
Shomrim reminds the community that awareness is the first line of defense. With scammers constantly evolving their tactics, staying informed and cautious can help prevent financial loss and protect essential benefits.
