Is the $850 EBT Offer Legit?
Anonymous asked:
I recently saw a post on social media that said SNAP is giving out an extra $850 in cash relief. Is that true?
No. SNAP is not giving out an extra $850 in cash relief. USDA warns that scammers use social media posts, texts, and other messages promising extra SNAP benefits or “instant cash” to get people to click fake links or hand over personal information. Don’t click the link -- and never provide your EBT card number or PIN!
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What You Need to Know
Be especially careful if the post says you need to act quickly, click a link, fill out a form, or provide your EBT information to claim the $850. USDA specifically warns that offers to sign up for “instant cash” through SNAP are not real.
Some state governments, including Oregon Department of Human Services, have specifically been warning people about these scams. They pop up from time to time using different amounts and promises, but they are never legitimate.
Scammers may make a post or message look like it came from the government. The FTC warns that government impersonation scams can use official-looking names, phone numbers, and messages, so appearances alone aren’t enough to prove an offer is legitimate.
If you see an offer like this:
- Don’t click links in the post or message.
- Don’t provide your EBT card number or PIN. USDA says state agencies and EBT processors will never call or text asking for this information.
- If you aren’t sure whether a SNAP announcement is legitimate, contact your local SNAP office directly using contact information you find independently.
- If you already gave someone your EBT information, change your PIN immediately and check your account for purchases you don’t recognize. Report suspicious activity to your SNAP office. USDA explains what to do if your SNAP benefits may have been stolen.
- You can also report suspected government impersonation scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
One more warning: if scammers steal your SNAP benefits, replacing them may be difficult. USDA says the federal authority to replace electronically stolen SNAP benefits expired on December 20, 2024, and benefits stolen on or after December 21, 2024, cannot be replaced using those federal funds. State options can vary, so report suspected theft to your SNAP office as soon as possible.