Cybersecurity Tip of the Week – Increase in Scams about Government Benefits

With the current federal government shutdown creating confusion around pay, benefits, and agency operations, scammers are exploiting the moment by posing as agencies like the Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs, or Internal Revenue Service, asking you to verify your benefits, pay a "processing fee," or log into a "secure portal."

Scammers are also taking advantage of the uncertainty of the funding for federal benefits programs. You might receive a text or call saying your EBT card is "locked," your benefits will be cut, or you must pay a fee to keep your food assistance. In reality, no official SNAP or state agency will call or text you out of the blue and ask for your card number, PIN, or bank information.

Never click on unsolicited links, never give out your Social Security number, banking information, or login credentials, and always verify by using official agency contact methods found outside of the message you received.

Stay vigilant now, and you help protect not just yourself and your family, but our whole campus community.