TRENTON, NJ – State officials are warning residents to stay alert for scammers targeting families who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as the federal government shutdown continues.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs issued the consumer alert Monday, cautioning that fraudsters are posing as SNAP representatives to steal personal information and electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card details.
The scams often come in the form of phone calls or text messages asking for card numbers, PINs, or Social Security information, with some even demanding payment for “assistance” unlocking benefits.
Key Points
- New Jersey officials say scammers are impersonating SNAP representatives amid the government shutdown.
- Residents are urged not to share EBT card numbers, PINs, or personal data with anyone claiming to “verify” benefits.
- Assistance for SNAP benefits is always free and available through official state resources.
State warns of opportunistic fraud during crisis
Officials say the scheme has surfaced as thousands of residents worry about access to food assistance during the federal shutdown. Scammers are exploiting that uncertainty by promising to help recipients restore or access benefits, only to steal their funds or personal data.
Governor Phil Murphy called the situation “a crisis of compassion and caution,” urging the more than 800,000 SNAP recipients statewide to trust only official information sources, including nj211.org/njsnap.
Attorney General: ‘Scammers thrive on fear and confusion’
Attorney General Platkin said the state is working to protect vulnerable residents from exploitation. “We’re raising public awareness of these scams to help New Jersey residents avoid falling victim,” Platkin said, emphasizing that legitimate SNAP representatives will never contact recipients unexpectedly or request confidential details.
Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, warned that scammers are most active when the public feels anxious or uncertain. “We’re urging SNAP recipients to stay vigilant and to protect themselves with simple, commonsense steps,” she said.
Consumer protection tips for SNAP recipients
The Division of Consumer Affairs outlined several steps residents should follow to prevent fraud: never share EBT or personal information with unknown callers, verify any communication through county social service agencies, and check EBT accounts regularly for unauthorized charges.
Recipients are encouraged to change their EBT PIN monthly and report suspected scams immediately to their local social service offices.
State officials reaffirmed that all SNAP support and benefit services are free and accessible only through trusted government websites and verified agencies.