WILKES-BARRE – Dr. Val Arkoosh, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), this week reminded Pennsylvania residents who receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to protect their EBT cards and personal information to avoid becoming victims of skimming, which involves attaching a device to a point-of-sale (POS) machine or ATM to read a card’s magnetic stripe, collect their information and create a cloned card.
“DHS works diligently to ensure that the benefits DHS administers are delivered to Pennsylvanians who need them. That’s why we take fraud prevention so seriously,” Arkoosh said. “I urge Pennsylvanians to take as many precautions as possible to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Be sure to check a card reader before swiping your card, and if you suspect a card reader is attached to a device, do not use the device, immediately notify the business owner or staff, and call the DHS Fraud Reporting Line.”
Pennsylvania residents are urged to take a second look before scanning their card at the POS machine to ensure there is no skimming device present. Retailers must also remain vigilant and be responsible for removing skimming devices to protect their customers.
The FBI recommends the following when using a POS terminal:
• Inspect POS terminals, ATMs and other card readers before use. Look for loose, bent, damaged or scratched parts. Do not use a card reader if you notice anything unusual.
• Before entering your PIN, pull the edges of the POS keyboard to make sure no skimming device is connected. Then cover the keyboard when entering your PIN to prevent cameras from recording your entry.
• Use ATMs in well-lit indoor locations as these are less vulnerable targets.
• Be aware of skimming devices in tourist areas as these are popular targets.
• Avoid using your debit card if you have linked accounts. Use a credit card instead.
• Contact your financial institution if the ATM does not return your card after you complete or cancel a transaction.
EBT balance and transaction inquiries and card replacements can be requested by contacting DHS’s EBT contractor, Conduent, at 888-328-7366. Do not use third-party apps to check EBT balances. Anyone who believes their EBT card has been compromised should contact their local County Assistance Office (CAO) to report the suspected fraud and replace their current card.
Please report potential skimming activity by calling the DHS Fraud Tip Line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477) or by submitting a report through the Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) website. Pennsylvania residents can check the DHS scam page for current scams and phishing attempts. In addition, Pennsylvania residents who have questions about whether a call, text message, letter or other communication is legitimate should contact the DHS Office of Income Maintenance.
Individuals are also encouraged to report any SNAP theft to local law enforcement.
The Shapiro administration announced in July 2023 that Pennsylvania residents who had their SNAP benefits stolen could have them replaced.
SNAP recipients whose benefits were electronically stolen should complete a Benefit Theft Claim via PDF or web form within 60 calendar days of the incident. DHS will then validate the claim within 30 calendar days of submission for review, and if a replacement is to be issued, that can be done within 10 calendar days of the review.
Senator Casey’s Anti-Price Gouging Act takes action against excessive price increases
U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-Scranton) this week praised the growing support for his Price Gouging Prevention Act, including from Vice President Kamala Harris.
Casey said this bill will crack down on corporate price gouging and protect American families from “greedflation” by creating a new federal ban on excessive pricing and empowering the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general to enforce the ban.
Since November 2023, Senator Casey has been investigating price gouging and other activities by large corporations that put a strain on the budgets of American families.
“Families are tired of being squeezed by giant corporations that drive up their prices and make record profits,” Casey said. “I call it greedflation and I stand against it. This important legislation will crack down on big corporations and finally ban price gouging. It’s past time we held corporations accountable for defrauding hard-working American families.”
Casey said the Price Gouging Prevention Act targets companies that take advantage of American families and exploit consumers through greedflation. He said this “common-sense legislation” is similar to a similar law in Pennsylvania against “unreasonably excessive” price gouging, which is not yet banned nationally.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Casey said, large companies raised prices even more than necessary to cover their cost increases – hiding behind inflation and supply chain disruptions. Now that the market shock of the pandemic has subsided and inflation is below 3% for the first time since 2021, Casey said, companies’ costs are falling and profits are rising.
But prices remain high for American families, Casey said. Casey said this legislation would not only prohibit price gouging, but also give the FTC and state attorneys general the authority to enforce the law.
MP Watro welcomes senior citizens Expo on September 19th at Laurel Mall
As part of his ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for senior residents in the Hazleton area, Republican Rep. Dane Watro of Hazleton is hosting his annual Senior Citizens Expo on Thursday, September 19.
The free event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Laurel Mall, 106 Laurel Mall Road, Hazle Township.
“There are many useful programs and services for seniors in our area,” Watro said. “My exhibit makes it easier and more convenient to get this information by bringing everyone together in one place. I encourage seniors and their caregivers to join us and take advantage of this opportunity.”
The Expo features exhibitors from nonprofit organizations, local, state and federal governments, and area businesses providing information on a wide range of topics, including healthcare, insurance, nutrition and exercise, fire safety, financial planning, fraud protection, and government and personal security.
Free health screenings will also be offered, including blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings, provided by regional health providers. Please note that blood and glucose tests will be conducted starting at 9am. Participants are reminded not to eat anything after midnight.
In addition, participants are asked to bring used glasses for donation and old or no longer needed prescription medications for safe disposal.
Seniors requiring special accommodations to attend the Expo should contact the Watro District Office in Hazleton at 570-453-1344 for assistance.
Sen. Baker’s annual dstrictly Photo competition runs until 30 September
Senator Lisa Baker (R-Lehman Township) this week announced the launch of the 20th Senatorial District Scene Contest, inviting district residents to showcase their photography skills and capture the beauty and unique character of the community.
The photo contest, which runs through September 30, is open to all amateur photographers who live in the 20th Senatorial District, which includes all of Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties.
Participants are encouraged to submit their best photographs highlighting the district’s natural landscapes, community events, historic landmarks and everyday life.
“Our district is rich in natural beauty and vibrant communities,” Baker said. “This competition is a wonderful opportunity for residents to share their views and showcase what makes our area so special. I’m excited to see the creativity and talent of our local photographers.”
To enter, participants must complete the online submission form and upload their photos using the link. Each participant may submit up to three photos. All submissions should be original, high-quality images that reflect the spirit of the district. Photos must be taken by residents of the 20th Senatorial District within the district’s boundaries.
Winning photos will be featured on Baker’s official website, social media, and various district publications. All photos will be published in the “Scenes from the 20th Senatorial District” photo gallery. One photo will be published each week in Baker’s e-newsletter.
For more information about the contest, visit www.senatorbaker.com or contact her office at 570-675-3931.
State encourages Pennsylvania residents to take advantage of free career opportunities Help, employment opportunities
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) this week launched a multi-week campaign to encourage Pennsylvania workers and local employers to use PA CareerLink’s one-stop-shops, a network of 62 L&I-supervised offices embedded in local communities that staff professionals who help workers find, obtain and retain family-sustaining employment.
For employers, PA CareerLink connects companies directly with the skilled workers they need to fill critical positions in skilled trades and emerging industries.
Over the next few weeks, PA CareerLink locations throughout Pennsylvania will be hosting job fairs and other public events to educate Pennsylvania residents about the many career paths and opportunities available.
“As Governor Shapiro often reminds us, every person should have the opportunity to pursue a career path that is right for them,” said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “That’s what our PA CareerLink offices provide – the opportunity for Pennsylvanians to succeed, discover their passions and support their families. The doors of PA CareerLink offices are always open to Pennsylvanians, but over the next few weeks, we strongly encourage all workers to visit us, see what’s available and let the professionals at PA CareerLink help you find the path of your choice.”
The bipartisan budget for 2024-25 includes a $30 million increase in funding for career and technical education (CTE) programs and equipment, as well as a first-time investment of $2 million in nursing education.
Northeast Region:
PA CareerLink Luzerne County in Hazleton, 75 North Laurel St., Hazleton.
6 September, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This job fair offers on-site assistance to job seekers, including resume writing assistance and interview tips from PA CareerLink staff and local employers.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter at @TLBillOBoyle.
