Cattaraugus County DSS — 8/11/2026 — The Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services is warning SNAP recipients about a scam involving fraudulent phone calls and text messages claiming that individuals must “recertify” their SNAP benefits.

Recipients have reported receiving calls and text messages instructing them to provide their EBT card number and PIN in order to complete or verify their SNAP recertification. This is a scam.

Providing this information can allow scammers to steal SNAP benefits. In reported cases, stolen EBT card information has been used to clone cards and access recipients’ benefits.

Protect Your SNAP Benefits

DO NOT respond to calls or text messages asking for your EBT card number or PIN.

Please remember:

• Your local Department of Social Services will NEVER ask you for your EBT PIN.
• Do not provide your EBT card number or PIN to anyone who contacts you by phone or text claiming to be from DSS.
• SNAP recertification notices are sent by mail.
• Your EBT card number and PIN are NOT part of your SNAP case information and are not required for SNAP recertification.
• Do not call back a number provided in a suspicious text message or phone call.
• If you receive a call or text like this, hang up or do not respond.
• To verify information about your SNAP case, contact your local Department of Social Services office directly.
• For questions about your EBT card, call only the official number printed on the back of your EBT card.

If You Receive a Suspicious Call or Text

DO NOT RESPOND. DO NOT PROVIDE YOUR CARD NUMBER. DO NOT PROVIDE YOUR PIN.

Hang up the phone or delete the message, and contact your local DSS office directly using an official phone number.

Scammers may make their calls or text messages appear legitimate. They may use official-sounding language or claim that immediate action is required to prevent your SNAP benefits from being stopped. Do not be pressured into providing your information.

Your EBT card number and PIN should be treated as confidential information. Never give your PIN to someone who calls or texts you—even if they claim to be a DSS employee or another government representative.

Remember: When in Doubt, Hang Up and Call DSS

If you receive a call or text message telling you that you need to recertify your SNAP benefits and asking for your EBT card number or PIN:

HANG UP.
DO NOT RESPOND TO THE TEXT.
DO NOT GIVE OUT YOUR CARD NUMBER OR PIN.
CALL YOUR LOCAL DSS OFFICE DIRECTLY.

Protecting your benefits starts with protecting your EBT information.

Questions

For questions about your SNAP case or recertification, contact your local Department of Social Services office using an official phone number. For EBT card questions, call the number printed on the back of your card.

For more protection, you can go to the ebtEDGE.com website or download the app, which gives you the capability to lock your card.