N.H. warns of phone scam involving EBT cards

The Attorney General’s Office is reminding people never to give out financial information over the phone when somebody has called you, no matter how convincing they might be, because it’s often a scam.

The latest example involves those who hold EBT cards, used for electronic benefits from the government. Officials say they’ve received reports about a phone scam targeting recipients in Maine, where victims received calls saying action was required to protect or restore their benefits. The caller told them to enter their EBT card number and PIN, then took money from their account.

Several individuals who complied with the instructions reported unauthorized withdrawals totaling approximately $15,000. Investigators have identified that some of the fraudulent cash withdrawals occurred at ATMs located in Manchester.

“These scams are sophisticated, convincing, and financially devastating,” said Attorney General John Formella. “No government agency will ever call you and ask for your EBT card number or PIN over the phone. Anyone who receives a call like this should hang up immediately.”

If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, contact the New Hampshire Department of Justice Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau by calling 1-888-468-4454. People can change their pin number and check an EBT balance by calling 1-999-997-9777 or by visiting www.ebtedge.com.

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