The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) shared a warning about scammers targeting Medi-Cal and CalFresh members through social media.
The scammers are using ads, especially on Facebook Marketplace, offering “free government smartphones.” They ask people for personal information like photos of their benefit cards and full Social Security Numbers. Scammers can then access benefit accounts and change a person’s PIN or make other purchases or transactions.
If you receive a message like this, remember:
- Medi-Cal will never contact members via social media to request personal information.
- Only respond to official county or state communications.
- Refer to DHCS toolkits for safe outreach practices.
- Stay alert to scams and be aware of legitimate contact methods.
- Report suspected scams to Cases@dhcs.ca.gov.
- See more Helpful Hints and Resources.
Stay safe online and spread the word so your family and friends know what to watch out for too!