Phishing scam targets SNAP users

posted on 11/19/2025

Attorney General John M. Formella and New Hampshire Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori A. Weaver are warning Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants about a new phishing scam involving fraudulent phone calls, text messages, and emails seeking personal information.

“We would urge anyone receiving this type of suspicious communication to hang up, not respond, and to report it,” said in a press release Attorney General Formella.

The New Hampshire Department of Justice Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau has received initial reports, forwarded by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), of callers impersonating DHHS officials and claiming that a recipient’s EBT card will be “restricted” and SNAP benefits held back unless the consumer verifies their Social Security number, date of birth, or other sensitive information. 

“Scammers often try to create a false sense of urgency,” stated Commissioner Weaver in the release. “We urge SNAP recipients to be cautious, protect their personal information, and contact DHHS if they receive a suspicious call.”

These calls, texts, or emails do not come from DHHS, the EBT vendor, or any official government agency. DHHS does not “restrict” or “hold” SNAP benefits. Consumers who receive a call like this should hang up immediately and call 1-844-ASK-DHHS to make a report.

How the Scam Works:

• The caller uses spoofed phone numbers, including toll-free numbers, to appear legitimate.
• The message falsely claims there is an issue with the consumer’s EBT card or SNAP benefits.
• The scammer then pressures the recipient to “confirm” their identity or risk losing benefits.

What Consumers Should Do:

• Do not respond to unsolicited requests for Social Security numbers, dates of birth, PINs, or EBT card numbers.
• Report suspicious calls to the DHHS Customer Service Center at 1-844-ASK-DHHS (1-844-275-3447).
• Monitor your EBT card for unauthorized transactions and report them immediately if discovered.
• File a complaint with the NH Department of Justice, Consumer Protection Bureau, by calling 1-888-468-4454 or visiting their website.