San Antonio, Texas — Health Confianza’s local nonprofit partners are warning the community about a rise in theft related to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that is affecting Texas families and children.
In Texas, more than 1.7 million children received SNAP benefits in 2022. This represents 23.9% of all SNAP recipients in the state.
SNAP benefits are administered to recipients through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which are loaded with money every month to use in participating retailers. Like regular debit or credit cards, they are subject to scams. Scammers may reach out through texts and links requesting PIN numbers, use skimming devices on EBT machines, or capture information from online transactions.
Texas Health and Human Services does not replace the benefits lost through fraud.
Protect your benefits against fraud/theft:
- Download Your Texas Benefits App to manage your benefits. The app is available on Google Play or iTunes App Store.
- Freeze your EBT card: Your Texas Benefits app allows you to freeze and unfreeze your EBT card to secure your funds when not in use.
- Limit your online transactions: Some scammers are able to capture your information from transactions with online retailers.
- If you suspect fraud: Change your PIN immediately to prevent further unauthorized purchases and contact your local SNAP office or state agency. In Texas, call the Lone Star Help Desk at 800-777-7328 to change your PIN and cancel your card, then call 2-1-1 and select option 3 to report fraud to the HHSC Office of the Inspector General.
Tip: The Texas Department of State Health Services will never call or text you to ask for your Lone Star Card number or PIN.