SANTA ANA (CNS) - Officials in Orange County warned residents today to beware of a scam involving suspects using text messages, emails or phone calls to get cardholder information from recipients of social services.
Recipients of CalWORKs, CalFresh, and general relief benefits have been targeted, according to Laura Turtzer of the county Social Services Agency.
“The California Department of Social Services has received complaints from Electronic Benefit Transfer cardholders about receiving text messages and/or phone calls from scam phone number (858) 232-3581,” Turtzer said.
“Clients have been asked to provide personal information, including their EBT card number and PIN. Please be advised this is an attempt to gather information which may be used to withdraw funds from recipient accounts.”
Clients should not give out their personal information, she said, adding that the SSA will never ask for a client's personal information such as their EBT card number, personal identification number, date of birth, and Social Security number in a text message or via email.
Anyone who has called the phone number or responded to the text and provided personal information should file a police report, Turtzer said.
“You should also call the California EBT Customer Service Helpline at (877) 328-9677 and contact your assigned case worker,” Turtzer said.
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