HHSC warns about fraudsters targeting Lone Star Card users

AUSTIN (KXAN) – A state agency warned Tuesday about a telephone fraud scheme targeting people using a state benefits card.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) said it is getting more complaints about the fraud involving Lone Star Card holders who get benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

According to the agency’s warning, the HHSC’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) reports that its Fraud Hotline gets 10-15 daily complaints about the new telephone scheme involving spoofing. It mimics the Lone Star Card Help Desk, which the agency said lulls victims into a false sense of security.

HHSC said victims report receiving a call that lists the Lone Star Card Help Desk caller ID (800-777-7328). The caller, sometimes a prerecorded voice, asks for the client’s PIN, Social Security number, and date of birth in exchange for new or increased benefits, according to HHSC.

“There are millions of Texans who need our benefits, and we don’t want them taken advantage of,” said Molly Regan, HHSC Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner in a statement to KXAN. “We know how important these benefits are, so we’re doing all we can to help prevent fraud and make it easy to report it when it happens.”

HHSC said the agency would not phone, text, or email to ask for a client’s card number and PIN. Anyone worried about a call they get about benefits can confirm the call is from HHSC by hanging up and calling the number on the back of the Lone Star Card, according to the agency.

HHSC said anyone affected by Lone Star Card fraud should immediately act by calling the Lone Star Card Help Desk at 800-777-7328, reporting it to the OIG at 800-436-6184, and contacting their local law enforcement agency.

Anyone who lost benefits due to the scheme can request replacement benefits through their local HHSC office, the agency said.

Anyone with an immediate need for food assistance can contact a local food bank or food pantry. They can find one in their area by calling 2-1-1, selecting option 1, or visiting 211Texas.org.

For more information on how to avoid fraud, visit the HHS Lone Star Card Fraud Awareness and Prevention web page.

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