Thousands across North Carolina are being sent new Electronic Benefits Transfer cards after the discovery of a potential scam.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, beneficiaries have been receiving calls and texts from people asking for personal information and/or PIN numbers to take money from EBT cards.

This week, at least 650 EBT cards were compromised statewide, and more than 7,000 were potentially compromised, NCDHHS said.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the potentially compromised cards have been canceled, and replacement cards have been issued to beneficiaries of FNS,” NCDHHS said in a statement. “If you receive email or texts from someone asking for EBT card information or your PIN, please do not respond. Neither county DSS offices nor NCDHHS will ever ask for this information using email or unsecured text message.”

What to do if your EBT benefits have been stolen

NCDHHS says replacement benefits will be issued beginning on Monday. If your benefits were stolen, you will need to complete, sign and submit an Affidavit For Stolen Benefits document to a county DSS agency in order to be reimbursed.

How to keep your EBT account safe

• Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges at ebtedge.com, the EBT Edge mobile app or calling the North Carolina EBT Call Center at 1-888-622-7328.

• Check card reading machines to watch out for anything suspicious attached.

• Contact law enforcement to report stolen benefits.

• Freeze your EBT card if you suspect card skimming or fraudulent purchases.

• Change PIN number for EBT cards regularly.

• Block out-of-state and online purchases.