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State attorney general warns of SNAP benefit scams

By: John Connolly
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey

..... New Jersey's attorney general is warning residents to look out for possible scams taking aim at recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, as the government shutdown affects befits this month. [11/2025]
..... "While many people are looking for ways to help individuals fearful of losing the ability to put food on the table amid the government shutdown, scammers are finding ways to exploit the situation for their won financial gain," Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a realest on November 3 [2025] with the Division of Consumer Affairs.
..... Platlin said scammers may call or text, impersonating representatives of SNAP or other government agencies asking for "EBT card numbers and PINs in order to unblock or unlock EBT cards, verify SNAP eligibility, or help recipients obtain SNAP benefits or financial assistance."
..... Scammers may ask recipients for their Social Security numbers and banking information or require a fee for assistance.
..... "Theses are all forms of scams aimed at stealing SNAP benefits or personal information," the Attorney General's Office said, noting that no government agency would ever contact people unsolicited or ask for private information by phone or text.
..... SNAP assistance from the government is always fee, the release said.
..... More than 800,000 New Jersey residents received SNAP benefits, according to Governor Phil Murphy.
..... "We encourage all SNAP recipients to recognize potential scams and only use the information and assistance resources supported by trusted organizations, starting with nj211.org/njsnap .

How to avoid a SNAP scam

..... "Scammers know that people are most vulnerable during times of fear and uncertainty,: said Elizabeth M. Harris, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "We're urging SNAP recipients in New Jersey to be on the lookout for these scams and providing them with commonsense tips to protect themselves."
..... Consumer Affairs offered the following tips to avoid being taken in by a SMAP scam:
* Never share your EBT card number, PIN or other personal information (like Social Security numbers or bank account information) with anyone you do not know or trust. State agencies and SNAP workers will never ask you for the information over the phone or via text message.
* Anyone you do know who offers to help you apply for benefits, obtain cash tied to your benefits or release funds is a scammer. you can find help applying for SNAP benefits here: nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap.apply/help .
* Be wary of unexpected phone calls or text messages concerning your SNAP benefits. Never reply to a suspected scammer. If you do not know if a request for information about SNAP is real, contact your county social service agency.
* Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges. You can check your account at NJFamiliesFirst.com or by calling 800-997-3333. If you see any unauthorized charges, change your PIN right away to stop the thief form making ne3w purchases and contact your county social service agency: nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties .
* Change your EBT PIN often, at least once a month and right before your next benefits are issued.
* If you think a call, text, email or letter is a SNAP-related scam, report it to your county social service agency.

For trusted SNAP information

..... The Attorney General's Office provides the following websites for more information on SNAP/
* State of New Jersey - nj.gov.governor/snap
* Division of Consumer Affairs - njconsumeraffairs.gov
* NJ SNAP - nj.gov/hummanservices/njsnap
* Federal Trade Commission - consumrer.ftc.gov/consumer-aleart/2024/05/protect-your-snap-benefits-illegal-card-skimmers
* U.S. Department of Agriculture - fns.usda.gov/snap/stolen-benefits

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