The Dare County Department of Health & Human Services has issued an alert against fake FNS emails targeting college students.

Under the guise of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), they falsely promise automatic eligibility for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits and large sums of money upon application. One such email alleges eligibility for a $15,000 sum via direct deposit or mail through a “Walmart Post Covid-19 Relief fund” link. Another claims potential recipients could receive up to $30,000 if they apply during the academic year.

Chuck Lycett, Director of Dare County Social Services Division, has said, “We’d like to remind residents that if they are not sure about a suspicious request for Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) information, they need to contact their local agency at 252-475-5500.” Lycett stressed the importance of withholding sensitive information like social security numbers, bank details, or FNS EBT card/PIN numbers from unfamiliar organizations or individuals.

Report any suspicious activity or FNS fraud to the USDA Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-424-9121 or online at https://usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline

To stay alerted of potential scams, visit the USDA’s SNAP scam alert webpage at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/scam-alerts