A looming halt to SNAP benefits is raising concerns about potential scams targeting millions of Americans, according to officials and experts.

Over 40 million individuals, including many children, are bracing for a potential lapse in food assistance beginning November 1. The federal government has announced that unless the government shutdown ends, it will not be replenishing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November.

This situation could create an opportunity for scammers to exploit those anxious to restore or maintain their benefits, warns Clayton LiaBraaten, a senior adviser with TrueCaller, an app specializing in scam protection.

“During the government shutdown, scammers are exploiting the fear of losing benefits to gain access to personal information,” LiaBraaten explains.