The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) is urging customers to be on high alert for phishing schemes through their personal emails and third-party accounts as bad actors attempt to exploit the Cash Assistance Program to steal personally identifiable information with illegitimate emails, text messages, social media posts, and unexpected phone calls, among other things.
The agency has shared these steps – dfcs.georgia.gov/services/cash-assistance-medicaid-snap-andor-tanf-recipients – for individuals to recognize and avoid phishing schemes. Individuals are encouraged to take steps to strengthen and protect their account information. DHS customers should maintain strong, unique passwords to their Georgia Gateway accounts, and never share personal account information with anyone who is not a designated caregiver.
Be advised, DHS will never initiate contact with customers by phone, text, email, or social media asking for Social Security numbers or other personal or financial information related to Cash Assistance Program payments. Any customer who has lost money or believes they have been a victim of identity theft should file a report with their local law enforcement agency immediately, then call customer service at 1-833-907-0683.
