Are NCDHHS text messages about EBT a scam? VERIFY

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Some WCNC Charlotte viewers have received text messages stating: “This is a message from NCDHHS. Protect your FNS benefits! Only use ebtEDGE App by FIS and turn off out of state transactions if you do not shop out of state.”

The VERIFY team received a question asking if this is legitimate or a scam to be aware of.

“Is this a legitimate text from food nutrition services or is this a scam to get us the login to an app so that they can obtain information?”

NCDHHS recently posted a similar message on its Facebook page, sharing tips on how to keep your benefits secure, including using the ebtEDGE app and turning off out-of-state transactions.

Both DSS and NCDHHS have also shared recommendations for avoiding scams. According to officials, legitimate texts from organizations like FNS do not include a website link that requires users to click. Ignore messages asking for sensitive information, such as EBT card details or PINs, which are common signs of phishing attempts.

NCDHHS advises families to take additional steps to protect their benefits:

• Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges. You can check your balance and/or replace a lost or stolen EBT card by visiting www.ebtedge.com, using the EBT Edge mobile app or contacting the North Carolina EBT Call Center at 1-888-622-7328.

• Check card reading machines in stores to make sure there is nothing suspicious overlayed or attached to the card swiper.

• Contact law enforcement to report the stolen benefits.

• Call the EBT Call Center at 1-888-622-7328 to request a new EBT Card at no cost. Note: the new card will not contain funds that were stolen from the previous card.

• Select a “difficult” PIN (not 1234 or 4444). While this may not prevent card skimming, it is a recommended safety practice.

• If you suspect card skimming, freeze your EBT card so that fraudulent purchases cannot be made using your card.

• Change the PIN to the EBT card regularly using a new number each time.

• Block out-of-state and online purchases from their EBT Edge accounts or the mobile app.

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