State Issues EBT Scam Alert

• Skimming is a type of theft where thieves put a device on a store’s card-swiping machine to copy card information.
• Phishing is where thieves use texts or phone calls to get you to share confidential information about your identity or card information.

• Change your EBT card PIN before each time you get your DTA benefits
• If you get TAFDC or EAEDC, you can call your case manager to ask about having your benefits deposited to your bank account
• Never provide your personal information, EBT card number, or Personal Identification Number (PIN) to unidentified callers, or to a link provided via text or email

• Call 800-997-2555 (the number on the back of your card)
• Choose your language
• Enter the number on the front of your card
• Press 2 to PIN your EBT card
• When asked for last 4 of Social Security Number (SSN), enter them. If you do not have an SSN, enter the last 4 digits of your 99 number assigned to you by DTA. If you do not know this 99 number, call the DTA  Assistance Line at 877-382-2363
• Enter your Date of Birth (month/day/year – 2 digits for month, 2 digits for day, and 4 digits for year). For example, 12 01 1989 for December 1, 1989
• Enter your NEW 4-digit PIN; then enter it again.?Choose a different PIN from any previous PINs
• Remember to keep your PIN confidential.

• Look for an overlay. It is bigger than the original machine. The overlay may hide parts of the machine.

• An overlay device can also be attached to the card reader/keypad on ATMs. 

Pittsfield Affordable Housing Initiatives Shine Light, Hope

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
07:08AM / Saturday, December 20, 2025

Housing Secretary Edward Augustus cuts the ribbon at The First on Thursday with housing officials and Mayor Peter Marchetti, state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The holidays are here and several community members are celebrating it with the opening of two affordable housing initiatives. 

 

"This is a day to celebrate," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said during the ribbon-cutting on Thursday. 

 

The celebration was for nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at "The First" located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street. A ceremony was held in the new Housing Resource Center on First Street, which was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. 

 

The apartments will be leased out by Hearthway, with ServiceNet as a partner. 

 

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, public officials and community resource personnel were able to tour the two new permanent supported housing projects — West Housatonic Apartments and The First Street Apartments and Housing Resource Center. 

 

The First Street location has nine studio apartments that are about 300 square feet and has a large community center. The West Housatonic Street location will have 28 studio units that range between 300 to 350 square feet. All units can be adapted to be ADA accessible. 

 

The West Housatonic location is still under construction with the hope to have it completed by the middle of January, said Chris Wilett, Hearthway development associate.