CCSO issues texting scam alert targeting EBT cards

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Fla. — Columbia County residents are being warned of a scam targeting EBT cards.

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The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents that scammers are sending texts that a customer’s EBT card is locked. In order to solve the problem all the recipient needs to do is call the phone number listed in the text to unlock their cards.

When the customer calls the number, it is answered by an automated system that asks the caller to enter their 16 digit card number along with the 4 digit security code to “confirm your identity” and to unlock the card.

The automated system continues by saying that the card is now unlocked and able to be used again.

What people need to be aware of is that entering these key numbers gives the scammer access to the person’s food assistance or cash assistance benefits from the customer’s EBT card account.

CCSO is asking the community to pass this information along to anyone using an EBT card. EBT support never reaches out regarding a locked EBT card.

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The proper EBT support line telephone number is 888-356-3281.