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Federal food assistance program warns of scam
Toll free number being spoofed to solicit private information
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 TOPEKA – The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has issued a warning regarding imposters utilizing what appears to be the federal SNAP toll-free information hotline number, 1-800-221-5689, to solicit private information from individuals.    

The statement issued by the Food and Nutrition Service, which operates under the United States Department of Agriculture, reported that unsolicited callers are requesting personal information by offering assistance for filling out a SNAP application or other non-SNAP related services such as home security systems. These imposters utilizing the federal SNAP toll free information hotline number are not affiliated with either FNS or SNAP.

The KDCF administers the food assistance program in Kansas. DCF has not been made aware that any clients in Kansas have been victimized by this scam. DCF Secretary Phyllis Gilmore reminds all Kansans that they should never provide personal information or credit card numbers over the phone to unsolicited callers.

So far, Kansas Department for Children and Families officials have said this scam has yet to be reported in the state.

“Although this scam did not originate in Kansas, our clients could be impacted,” Secretary Gilmore said. “If you have any concerns, please contact your local DCF service center right away.”

FNS said in its statement Thursday, that if anyone suspects they are receiving illegitimate calls from 1-800-221-5689, they may file a complaint with the FCC. If anyone has already fallen victim to this or a similar scam, they can visit  ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/ for more information on identity theft. 

If one suspects a person is receiving public assistance in Kansas to which they are not entitled, they can call the DCF Fraud Hotline at 1-800-432-3913. Officials will take the information provided and investigate. 

Reporters to this hotline can choose to remain anonymous, but they should provide as much detailed information as possible, including the location of the individual who is allegedly committing fraud.