KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow.com) New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella and New Hampshire Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori A. Weaver are warning Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients about a new phishing scam that involves texts, phone calls and emails that seek personal or financial information.

According to Formella, scammers impersonate Department of Health and Human Services officials, saying that SNAP users’ EBT cards will be restricted, and that SNAP benefits won’t be available for access unless they confirm their social security number, date of birth, or other personal information.

Weaver said that these scammers try to create a false sense of urgency, and that they make it seem like action must be taken quickly to ensure the funds for recipients EBT cards. Weaver says that if you have suspicions, be cautious, never give out personal information and call the DHHS if they receive a suspicious call.

Residents are reminded that these types of calls would never come from a government agency or an EBT Vendor, and that the DHHS never puts a restriction or hold on SNAP benefits. To reports a suspicious call, dial 1-844-ASK-DHHS (1-844-275-3447).

Consumers are reminded to not respond to unsolicited requests for personal information, and to monitor EBT cards for unauthorized transactions. If there is a transaction that is not your own, you are encouraged to report it immediately.