Scammers Are Using Government Shutdown Confusion to Target Consumers

When government programs are in the news, scammers pay attention.

In a recent Philadelphia news segment, Nomorobo warned consumers about a spike in scam calls tied to the government shutdown. The scams are targeting people worried about food assistance, health coverage, Medicare benefits, and rising costs.

The two biggest scam themes in the segment:

• Fake SNAP benefit offers
• Fake open enrollment offers for Affordable Care Act plans and Medicare

That is a dangerous combination.

When people are already worried about groceries, premiums, prescriptions, or health coverage, a scam call promising “extra benefits” can sound tempting.

That is exactly what scammers are counting on.

See the full breakdown below or click here to see it on Youtube.

How the Fake Benefits Scam Works

The scam call featured in the segment sounds friendly and helpful.

The caller claims the person has become eligible for “free extra benefits” like:

• Groceries
• Gas
• Prescriptions
• A monthly stipend
• Medicare Advantage plan upgrades
• A free plan review

On the surface, that sounds like help.

But the real goal is usually to get personal information, Medicare details, insurance information, financial information, or account access.

Scammers often use words like “free,” “eligible,” “extra benefits,” and “no cost” because they know those words get attention.

Especially when people are worried about money.

Why Government Shutdown Scams Work

Government shutdowns create confusion.

People wonder:

• Will my benefits be delayed?
• Do I need to reapply?
• Is there emergency food money available?
• Are my Medicare or health plan benefits changing?
• Can someone help me lower my premiums?

Scammers use that uncertainty.

They pose as helpful representatives. They offer emergency benefits. They make the call feel urgent. And they push people to act before checking whether the offer is real.

A scammer does not need the story to be perfect.

They just need the timing to be good.

Red Flags of SNAP, Medicare, and Health Benefit Scams

Be careful if you receive an unexpected call or text that:

• Promises emergency food money
• Says you qualify for free groceries, gas, or prescriptions
• Offers a monthly stipend
• Claims you can get extra Medicare benefits at no cost
• Pushes a “free review” of your Medicare Advantage plan
• Asks for your Social Security number
• Asks for your Medicare number
• Asks for your EBT card number or PIN
• Asks for bank or credit card information
• Pressures you to act immediately

The biggest warning sign is simple:

If someone calls out of the blue and asks for personal information, hang up.

Nomorobo’s Three Simple Rules

In the segment, Nomorobo shared three key reminders for consumers who receive suspicious calls or texts.

1. Never give out personal information

This is the big one.

Do not share your Social Security number, Medicare number, EBT card details, bank information, or insurance information with someone who unexpectedly contacts you.

2. If anything seems weird, hang up

You do not have to be polite to a scammer.

If the call feels strange, rushed, confusing, or too good to be true, end it. You can always contact the official agency or company directly.

3. Spread the word

Scammers often target people who may be under stress or unsure where to turn.

If you receive a suspicious call, tell friends, family, neighbors, and older relatives what happened. One warning could stop someone else from becoming the next victim.