Prince Edward County warns that unsolicited EBT PIN texts are scams

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The county and Virginia DSS say they will not ask for an EBT card number or PIN through an unsolicited text.

1 minute read · Gretna Junction Research Desk

AI-assisted · Last verified Official sources checked November 4, 2026.

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A hand uses a calculator beside financial documents and a notebook.

Licensed stock financial-planning photograph. Fraud-prevention context only; not an EBT card, message, account, cardholder or transaction. Hanna Pad / Pexels · Pexels License

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Do not answer the message

Prince Edward County’s current alert warns about fake text messages claiming to be from the Virginia Department of Social Services. The county says neither its Department of Social Services nor VDSS will ask for an EBT card number or PIN through an unsolicited text.

Do not reply, follow the link or send a card number, PIN or other benefit information. A familiar agency name or urgent wording does not authenticate the sender.

Use the official channel if information was shared

Virginia DSS says a person who responded to an unsolicited call, text or website about benefits should contact EBT Customer Service at 1-866-281-2448. VDSS also identifies ConnectEBT as the official app and provides lock, transaction-review and PIN-change tools.

Prince Edward County lists its Department of Social Services at 434-392-3113. This guide does not verify a message, reverse a transaction or promise replacement benefits; use the official account and agency channels for the individual case.

Sources & verification

Prince Edward County — DSS EBT Scam Alert

Official county alert checked November 4, 2026 for the unsolicited-text warning and no-card-number-or-PIN rule.

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Virginia DSS — Protect Yourself from EBT Fraud

Official state guidance checked November 4, 2026 for ConnectEBT safety steps and fraud-prevention guidance.

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