10/22/2026
Alert for EBT/SNAP Customers - Please see the information below regarding phishing/scamming attempts of your EBT card:
This alert is to inform all LDSS agencies and VDSS staff of ongoing fraudulent text messages and phone calls targeting Virginia residents regarding Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) accounts.
All LDSS agencies are asked to share this alert with the public and emphasize that these text messages and phone calls are fraudulent. Please stay vigilant and communicate with all SNAP and EBT clients of possible phishing attempts to help protect them from potential fraud and unauthorized disclosure of personal or financial information.
The fraudulent messages may falsely claim that an EBT transaction has been declined or that suspicious activity has been detected on the recipient’s card. Recipients may be instructed to reply to the message or call a phone number to verify the transaction. Clients should not respond to these messages, call the numbers provided, or share personal, financial, or EBT card information.
Examples of the reported fraudulent messages include:
“Omnilert - VDSS EBT: An Order of $44.15 at Walmart using your EBT was declined. Reply Y if this was you. If not, call: 1-866-202-4567"
“VDSS EBT – A transaction of $34.15 at W-STR using your EBT Card was declined. Reply Y if this was you. If not, to speak to a representative, call: +1(866)202-4567.”
“Transaction alert from electronic Financial Services. Regard. This isn’t transaction alert from electronic Financial Services. Regarding your EBT card, we noticed some unusual activity. Please confirm if you placed this transaction.”
Please remind customer to exercise caution when receiving unexpected messages or calls concerning their EBT accounts. They should verify account-related concerns through official EBT customer service phone number (1-866-281-2448).
