The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is sounding the alarm over a scheming wave of phone scams targeting vulnerable Lone Star Card users who depend on SNAP and TANF benefits to make ends meet. As reported by FOX San Antonio, scammers are employing a nefarious technique known as spoofing to deceive recipients by imitating the Lone Star Card Help Desk's legitimate contact number.
These fraudsters are persistent, racking up an estimated 10-15 complaints per day, as per the HHSC Office of Inspector General. The scammers present victims with a fake offer of new or increased benefits in exchange for their PIN, Social Security number, and date of birth. “Regardless of what the caller ID says, do not provide any personal information in response to an unsolicited call,” warned HHS Inspector General Raymond Charles Winter in a statement obtained by MyFoxZone.
Molly Regan, Deputy Executive Commissioner of HHSC Access and Eligibility Services, emphasized the critical importance of these benefits to millions of Texans and expressed the commission's dedication to safeguarding them from such fraudulent tactics. Victims who receive these scam calls with the Lone Star Card Help Desk caller ID, 800-777-7328, are asked to disregard the prompts and instead, contact the number on the back of their Lone Star Card for verification.
Those who have fallen prey to the scam are urged to take prompt action by reporting the incident to the Lone Star Card Help Desk, the OIG hotline, and their local law enforcement. Victims also have the option to request replacement benefits through their local HHSC office if they have suffered a loss as a result of the scam. Additionally, immediate food assistance can be sourced from local food banks or pantries, accessible by calling 2-1-1 and selecting option 1, or visiting 211Texas.org for further support.
