New Hampshire state authorities are sounding the alarm over a phone scam aimed at recipients of cash benefits via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. This fraudulent scheme has already led to significant financial losses, with reports indicating that victims have been defrauded of thousands of dollars, particularly in places such as Manchester.

Authorities indicate that the scam typically begins with an automated call that falsely claims issues with the recipient’s cash benefits. The perpetrators, impersonating government officials, instruct individuals to provide their EBT card number and personal identification number (PIN). This information enables the scammers to access the victims’ accounts and withdraw funds rapidly through ATMs.

Attorney General John M. Formella and Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori A. Weaver both emphasized that neither state nor federal agencies will request sensitive EBT information over the phone. They cautioned that the urgency of these calls is a tactic used by scammers to manipulate recipients into compliance. The New Hampshire Department of Justice has become aware of similar scams affecting neighboring Maine, where unauthorized withdrawals reaching approximately $15,000 were reported by those who responded to these fraudulent calls.

Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are collaborating with law enforcement to investigate these incidents and trace the culprits behind the alarming ATM activity. They urge all EBT cardholders to safeguard their information rigorously, highlighting the importance of immediately hanging up if they receive suspicious calls asking for personal data. EBT recipients can change their PIN or verify account details by contacting the designated helpline or visiting the EBT Edge website.

Victims or recipients who believe they may have been targeted by this scam are advised to reach out to the New Hampshire Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau for assistance.