Texting Scam Targets Users of Social Security's Direct Express Debit Card

July 11, 2013

A texting scam has targeted people who use a Direct Express debit card to collect their Social Security benefits. The US Treasury makes the Direct Express card available for people who don't have a bank account.

The text message pretends to be from Direct Express. When a user calls the number provided, they are asked to enter a card number and PIN. If the information is entered, the scammers can potentially access the account and withdraw funds.

Direct Express provides the following warning on their website:

IMPORTANT - Protect your card and personal information. Direct Express® will never contact you by phone, email, or text message to ask you for your card number, PIN or security code. If you have responded to any communication asking you to provide any card or personal information, please inform Direct Express® customer service immediately by calling the number on the back of your card.