Lone Star Card Fraud: Texans Receiving SNAP and TANF Benefits Targeted by Scammers- HHSC
Texans who are beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are being subjected to an advanced form of deceptive spam known as ‘spoofing,’ from Lone Star Card help desk as cautioned by the state’s Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
In a press statement issued on February 27, HHSC highlighted that scammers, posing as representatives of the Lone Star Card help desk, are contacting recipients of these benefits and deceitfully promising heightened payments in return for sensitive personal information such as their PIN, Social Security number, and date of birth.
The Center on Budget & Policy Priorities, an organization with progressive perspectives, reports that approximately 3.4 million Texans rely on SNAP benefits to address their food needs.
Within the Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has disclosed receiving a daily influx of 10 to 15 complaints regarding a scam employing a technique known as spoofing.
Deceptive Calls from Lone Star Card Help Desk
Victims describe receiving calls displaying the caller ID for the Lone Star Card help desk (800-777-7328), after which either a live caller or an automated voice prompts them to provide personal information under the guise of processing a benefit increase.
Inspector General of HHSC, Raymond Charles Winter, issued a statement emphasizing the importance of Texans safeguarding themselves against the evolving tactics of scams identified by the OIG Fraud Hotline.
Winter underscored the importance of individuals refraining from disclosing any personal information in response to unsolicited calls, regardless of the caller ID displayed.
HHSC assures Texans that it will never initiate contact via phone, text, or email to request their card number and PIN.
If a Texan receives a call regarding their benefits, they can authenticate the legitimacy of the call by disconnecting and subsequently dialing the number provided on the back of their Lone Star Card.
Response Protocol for Lone Star Card Fraud
Individuals who suspect they have fallen victim to Lone Star Card fraud are encouraged to promptly contact the Lone Star Card help desk at 800-777-7328.
Additionally, they should report the incident to the OIG at 800-436-6184 and notify local law enforcement.
Victims of such scams are eligible to request supplementary benefits through their local HHSC office.
Starting February 26, individuals eligible for SNAP benefits, commonly referred to as food stamps, have the option to claim them online, regardless of their place of residence within the United States.
