The South Carolina Department of Social Services is launching a major initiative to safeguard Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from fraudulent activity. Beginning next week, the agency will implement a mandatory security status for all Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards issued within the state.
Under the new “Block High Risk Transactions” protocol, all South Carolina EBT cards will be restricted from completing out-of-state or online purchases by default. While residents can continue to use their cards for in-person transactions at local retailers without interruption, the system will automatically decline any attempts to buy groceries through websites or at physical locations outside of state lines.
The department clarified that these measures are intended to act as a digital shield against skimming and unauthorized remote access. Recipients who have a legitimate need to make purchases online or while traveling out of state will have the ability to manually lift the restriction.
To authorize these transactions, cardholders must use the official online portal to unlock their cards or contact the EBT customer service hotline at 1-800-554-5268. The agency has provided detailed instructions on the portal to guide users through the security settings. These changes are scheduled to take effect next Tuesday, and officials are urging all SNAP participants to familiarize themselves with the unlocking process to avoid potential disruptions at the checkout counter.
