Sheriffs warn of SNAP 'emergency relief' text scams amid shutdown (now includes Anoka County)
Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages to Minnesota SNAP recipients offering fake $1,000 "emergency relief," with some messages using the phrase "Food Debit Emergency Relief" and appearing amid a shutdown. The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office warned about the scam on X, noting roughly 440,000 Minnesotans rely on SNAP and may be targeted.
📌 Key Facts
- On 2025-10-29, the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office posted an alert on X warning about a shutdown-related SNAP text scam circulating locally.
- The scam text message uses wording such as "Food Debit Emergency Relief."
- The fraudulent messages purport to offer emergency SNAP relief tied to the shutdown to lure recipients.
- Twin Cities published the report under the headline "Scam alert: Fraudulent text offers emergency SNAP relief."
- About 440,000 Minnesotans rely on SNAP, creating a large pool of potential targets for these scams.
- Anoka County has been added to the list of agencies issuing warnings about the SNAP "emergency relief" text scam.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
October 29, 2025
11:23 PM
Scam alert: Fraudulent text offers emergency SNAP relief
New information:
- Anoka County Sheriff’s Office issued an alert on X warning about a shutdown-related SNAP text scam circulating locally.
- Scam message wording cited: 'Food Debit Emergency Relief.'
- Context reiterated: roughly 440,000 Minnesotans rely on SNAP, heightening the pool of potential targets.