by MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Law enforcement officials across Minnesota are warning residents about a new scam targeting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. Fraudsters are circulating fake text messages promising $1,000 in emergency food relief as the federal government shutdown continues.
How the SNAP Scam Works
According to the Pine County and Kanabec County Sheriff’s Offices, residents have reported receiving texts that claim they’re eligible for emergency food debit funds. The messages appear legitimate and use county names to make them seem official.
One version of the scam message reads:
“Food Debit Emergency Relief
Card #12345678 Exp 12/8/24 $1000
(Your County) approves $1000 emergency food relief for October 2025.
All MN residents qualify for $1000 grocery relief – Claim by October 27, 2025.”
Authorities say the message is completely fake and designed to steal personal and financial information. The text encourages recipients to click a malicious link to “claim” their benefit — a trap that can lead to identity theft or stolen SNAP balances.
Officials Warn Residents to Be Cautious
Officials are urging residents to ignore and delete any such messages immediately. They stress that no county or state agency will ever issue SNAP benefits through text messages or request personal information online.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has confirmed that the agency communicates through secure, official channels only. Anyone receiving suspicious messages should not click links, not share their EBT card details, and report the incident to local law enforcement or the DHS fraud hotline.
“Scammers are taking advantage of uncertainty during the government shutdown,” said a Pine County spokesperson. “These texts look convincing, but they’re part of a coordinated attempt to defraud some of Minnesota’s most vulnerable families.”
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Why the Scam Is Spreading Now
The scam coincides with growing concern that SNAP funding could run out in November if Congress fails to reach a deal to end the ongoing federal shutdown. Nearly 440,000 Minnesotans rely on SNAP benefits to afford groceries, with half of the recipients being seniors and children.
In response to the crisis, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison joined 21 other state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit demanding the federal government use contingency funds to continue SNAP payments during the shutdown.
As panic spreads about potential disruptions to benefits, scammers are exploiting the situation by offering “emergency relief” to desperate families.
What SNAP Recipients Should Do
SNAP beneficiaries who suspect fraud or receive scam messages should take the following precautions:
- Do not click on links or respond to unsolicited texts.
- Verify information by contacting your local county office or caseworker directly.
- Report scams to the Minnesota DHS Fraud Hotline or your local sheriff’s department.
- Monitor your EBT card for unauthorized transactions.
A Growing Trend of Food Assistance Scams
The Minnesota scam follows a nationwide rise in EBT and SNAP-related fraud. States including California, Texas, and New York have reported similar fake relief messages and phishing attempts.
Federal officials warn that fraudsters often tailor scams to mirror current events — such as natural disasters, economic crises, or government shutdowns — to make their claims appear authentic.
Protecting Your Benefits
Experts emphasize that SNAP benefits are never distributed through text messages or third-party websites. Only the official EBT portal or your caseworker can confirm benefit details or emergency assistance.
Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant, educate family members, and share scam alerts within their communities.
“Scammers know that people are struggling right now,” said a Kanabec County official. “The best defense is awareness — if you know how to spot these messages, you won’t fall for them.”
Have You Received a Scam Message?
If you’ve received a similar text or email about SNAP emergency relief, you’re not alone. Authorities want to hear from you to track and stop these scams.
Share your experience or report suspicious activity in the comments section on ibwhsmag.com — your voice could help protect others from becoming victims of SNAP fraud.
