TEXAS, USA — The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is warning Texans about how scammers are targeting families who use state benefits cards.
The agency said it is getting more complaints about the fraud involving Lone Star cardholders who get benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
According to the agency’s warning, the HHSC’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) reports that its Fraud Hotline gets 10-15 daily complaints about the new telephone scheme involving spoofing. It mimics the Lone Star Card Help Desk, which the agency said lulls victims into a false sense of security.
“As the OIG Fraud Hotline identifies new and increasingly sophisticated scams, we want Texans to be able to protect themselves against those attempts to steal their information,” said HHS Inspector General Raymond Charles Winter.
Victims say the call lists the Lone Star Card Help Desk on the caller ID. Then the caller, sometimes a prerecorded voice, asks for the client’s PIN, Social Security number and date of birth in exchange for new or increased benefits.
“Regardless of what the caller ID says, do not provide any personal information in response to an unsolicited call," said Winter.
The agency wants to remind clients that HHSC will never reach out by phone, text, or email to ask for their card number and PIN. If you are concerned about a call you received regarding your benefits, confirm it is HHSC by hanging up and calling the number on the back of your Lone Star Card.
If you believe you've been a victim of fraud call the Lone Star Card Help Desk at 800-777-7328, report it to the OIG at 800-436-6184 or contact your local law enforcement agency.
Anyone who lost benefits as a result of the scam can request replacement benefits through their local HHSC office. The agency also provided tips on how to protect yourself and not fall victim.
