Beware of inheritance and SNAP benefits scams
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Aging and Department of Human Services
Older Pennsylvanians should be aware of a new scam involving fake emails from scammers posing as Pennsylvania state employees. The reported scheme promises a large inheritance. But upfront payment is required to access the funds. Scammers often use convincing language and email addresses that appear to come from official agencies. “Older adults are often targeted due to the savings they’ve accumulated over a lifetime,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. “Scams like these can devastate retirements and families. We urge older adults to talk to a trusted family member or contact their local Area Agency on Aging before responding to any suspicious messages.”
Warning signs:
- Emails or calls about unexpected inheritances or prizes.
- Requests for upfront payments or personal information.
- Emails or websites that don’t end in pa.gov.
- Pressure to act quickly or in secrecy.
What to do:
- Never share personal or financial information with unknown contacts.
- Do not send money, gift cards or other payment to strangers.
- Report suspected scams:
- PA Insurance Department or Department of Banking and Securities: 1-866-PAComplaint
- PA Attorney General’s Office: 1-800-441-2555.
- If you or someone you know suspects a scam, contact PCA’s Helpline at 215-765-9040 for support or connection to local protective services.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is alerting Pennsylvanians of another scam. Phone calls targeting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit recipients have been reported. Scammers are directing users to call a number to verify their identity, or their benefits will be cancelled.
Phone numbers being used by the scammers include:
- 1-888-273-6954
- 1-844-239-5136
- 1-888-592-8936
DHS employees will never ask for personal information in an unsolicited text message, email or phone call. The department sends informational texts and calls people who receive SNAP, Medicaid and other benefits only from this number: 1-833-648-1964.
DHS calls or text messages will not include:
- Details about your benefits, such as the amount of SNAP approved.
- Requests for specific personal information.
- Links to unofficial sites. Most DHS texts will direct to https://dhs.pa.gov, COMPASS (https://www.compass.dhs.pa.gov), or a website that ends in .gov or .org.
DHS encourages SNAP and other benefit recipients to do the following:
- Lock your card when not in use.
- Change your PIN every month.
- Report suspicious texts or calls about DHS benefits to 1-844-DHS-TIPS (347-8477).
Learn more: https://dhs.pa.gov/scams
