50+ Lifestyles

Iowa’s Older Iowans Beware: How to Spot and Avoid EBT Scams

By Milestones Area Agency on Aging

Scammers are aggressively targeting Iowa’s Older Iowans with fraudulent calls, texts, and emails aimed at stealing Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) funds used for SNAP benefits. These criminals impersonate the Iowa benefits office or SNAP customer service, tricking vulnerable individuals into revealing sensitive information. As of August 12, 2025, reports of these scams are surging, making awareness critical.

Here’s how the scam works: You receive an unsolicited message claiming your EBT account is “locked” or your benefits will be frozen unless you “verify” your account immediately. The message creates panic, prompting victims to share their EBT card number and PIN. Once scammers have this information, they can clone your card or drain your account as soon as your monthly SNAP deposit arrives. Unlike bank accounts, EBT accounts often lack fraud protection, meaning stolen funds are rarely recovered until the next deposit.

To protect yourself, never share your EBT card number or PIN via phone, text, or email. The Iowa benefits office will never request your PIN. If you receive a suspicious message, hang up or delete it immediately. Avoid clicking links in texts or emails, as scammers create fake websites mimicking the official Iowa EBT portal to steal your data. Always verify communications by contacting Iowa EBT Customer Service directly at 1-800-359-5802 (available 24/7).

Report suspected scams to the Iowa Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 515-281-5926 or 1-888-777-4590, or visit www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov. For additional support, contact Milestones at 855-410-6222. Stay vigilant,  regularly check your EBT account for unauthorized transactions, and share this information with others to protect Iowa’s Older Iowan community from these predatory scams.