WISCONSIN — Less than two weeks after extra FoodShare benefits ended in the state, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services said it is investigating a FoodShare scam.

During the pandemic, eligible participants of the FoodShare assistance program were getting at least an additional $95 a month on top of their regular benefits. That extra help ended March 1.

Wisconsin DHS said a new scam is targeting FoodShare members via fake texts. According to FoodShare members, the text directed them to call a phone number. They were then to confirm their account and PIN. The alleged texts said if they did not do this, they would be locked out of their benefits.

Wisconsin DHS said the scammers take the information provided to steal the benefits for themselves.

“It is alarming that scammers are going after public benefits like FoodShare that people rely on to feed themselves and their families,” said DHS Inspector General Anthony Baize. “We encourage FoodShare members to understand how to protect their benefits from these increasingly sophisticated scams and to report them when they happen.”

Wisconsin DHS said it is urging members to protect their benefits, as well as taking steps to limit potential loss.

The health department said it is removing “all unauthorized phone numbers linked to cases within the investigation.” Plus, the department said it “is discontinuing and replacing all compromised QUEST cards and is conducting a review for each impacted member to determine if benefits should be replaced.”

Those with questions about their benefits, and those who need to report suspicious activity related to their FoodShare benefits or QUEST cards should do the following: 

Wisconsin DHS said Wisconsinites should do the following in order to protect their FoodShare benefits and QUEST cards: