A phishing scam is making its way
across the Internet and the scammers may be targeting customers who receive
SNAP food benefits and TANF cash assistance. Scammers seek to gain personal
identifying information from individuals thought to be recipients of the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families (TANF). The scammers reportedly contact individuals via email
and pose as representatives of a company that can reimburse SNAP food purchases.
SNAP and TANF customers should
not provide any bank account information or benefits information to anyone
requesting the information by email. Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) may
request customers confirm personal information over the phone, but OKDHS staff
will never threaten customers for information or request bank account
information. OKDHS does not retain or have access to a customer’s bank account
information.
Customers who may have been
victimized should file a fraud report with local law enforcement.