New Hampshire Attorney General Warns of EBT Card Scam Targeting Residents
Manchester, N.H. – The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office is alerting residents to a concerning new scam specifically targeting Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders. This fraudulent scheme involves deceptive phone calls designed to steal sensitive EBT data, leading to significant financial losses for victims.
Reports indicate that individuals are receiving unsolicited phone calls from scammers who are attempting to trick them into divulging their EBT card number and Personal Identification Number (PIN). Once this information is obtained, criminals are using it to make unauthorized withdrawals from ATMs, with some victims reporting losses as high as $15,000 in a single instance.
A significant number of these fraudulent ATM withdrawals are currently being traced to locations throughout the city of Manchester. Authorities are actively investigating these incidents and working to identify the perpetrators.
The Attorney General’s Office is strongly reminding all new Hampshire residents that legitimate government agencies, including those administering benefits programs, will never request EBT card numbers or PINs over the phone. This is a fundamental security practice to protect individuals from falling victim to scams.
“It is indeed crucial for EBT cardholders to remain vigilant and protect their personal information,” stated a representative from the Attorney General’s Office. “If you receive a suspicious phone call requesting your EBT details, do not provide any information. Promptly hang up and report the incident.”
Protecting Yourself from EBT Scams:
* Never share your EBT card number or PIN with anyone over the phone, via email, or through text message.
* Be wary of unsolicited calls, even if the caller claims to be from a government agency.
* If you suspect fraud, immediately contact your bank or financial institution.
* Report the scam to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-468-4782.
* Regularly monitor your EBT account for any unauthorized transactions.
* Consider changing your PIN frequently.
The Attorney General’s Office urges all New Hampshire residents to share this information with family and friends, notably those who rely on EBT benefits, to help prevent them from becoming victims of this pervasive scam.
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