Food Stamp Scams Texas Families: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) says state benefits cards are being targeted by fraud schemes.
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Fraud complaints targeting Lone Star cardholders receiving benefits from programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) have increased.
The HHSC’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) reports a significant increase in complaints about a new telephone scam involving spoofing.
It is common for scammers to use caller IDs to appear legitimate and lull victims into a false sense of security by mimicking the Lone Star Card Help Desk.
According to HHS Inspector General Raymond Charles Winter, As the OIG Fraud Hotline identifies new and increasingly sophisticated scams, we want Texans to be able to protect themselves.
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If you receive an unsolicited call, do not provide any personal information.
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Victims receive phone calls from a number listed on their caller ID as the Lone Star Card Help Desk. The caller asks for the client’s PIN, Social Security number, and date of birth in exchange for promises of increased or new benefits.
The HHSC reiterated that they will never contact you by phone, text, or email asking for your card number.
A Lone Star Card holder who receives suspicious calls regarding their benefits should hang up and call the number on the back of the card to verify the legitimacy of the call.
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In the event of fraud, how do I request replacement benefits?
Keep all records of fraudulent activity if you’ve been a victim of fraud. Get a new Lone Star Card and change your PIN, and request a reimbursement.
For a new card and PIN, please follow these steps:
- Request a new card and change your PIN by logging into the Your Texas Benefits mobile app
- Contact the Lone Star Help Desk (800-777-7328)
- Visit a local HHSC benefits office.
Reimbursement requests should be made as follows:
- Fill out Form H1854, Affidavit for Unauthorized Use of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Benefits, at your local HHSC benefits office.
- HHSC will review your information within two weeks and let you know if you qualify for replacement benefits.
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