Phone scam claims to be California Department of Social Services
–County of San Luis Obispo officials are warning residents to beware of a statewide scam via text message, email or phone call aimed at stealing benefits from recipients of social services.
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.
“If you receive an email, text message or phone call asking for your personal information, do not provide any information,” said Assistant Social Services Director Tracy Schiro. “We will never email, text or call a client and ask for their personal information, such as their EBT card number, PIN, date of birth, or Social Security number. No legitimate State or County representative would ever ask for your PIN.”
County officials urge cardholders to take the following measures to keep their benefits safe:
• Never give out your personal information to anyone, or you could have your benefits stolen.
• Keep your EBT card number and PIN a secret.
• Never give out your social security number, EBT card number or PIN to anyone.
Anyone who has already provided card numbers and PINs to a third party should call (877) 328-9677 to change the PIN or to report the EBT card(s) as lost or stolen. Social services recipients can learn more about protecting their EBT Card online at www.cdss.ca.gov/EBT-Card.
For more information, contact the County Department of Social Services online at www.slocounty.ca.gov/dss or via telephone at (805) 781-1600.
Comments
