FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: DSS Office of Communications and External Affairs 
publicinfo@dss.sc.gov

South Carolina DSS Strengthens Fraud Prevention Measures to Protect SNAP Recipients 

April 22, 2026 — The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) is implementing enhanced fraud-prevention measures to further safeguard Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients and protect their benefits. 

As part of this effort, DSS will begin blocking all out-of-state and online Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) transactions effective Tuesday, April 28, 2026. While these blocks are active, all South Carolina EBT cards will automatically be placed in a “Block High Risk Transactions” status. Cards in this status will not be able to complete purchases outside of South Carolina or online. All in-state purchases will continue to process normally. 

South Carolina EBT cardholders will continue to have flexibility and control over their EBT accounts. If a cardholder needs to make an out-of-state or online purchase, they must first unlock their card using the EBT Cardholder Portal (ConnectEBT.com), the ConnectEBT Mobile App, or by calling the EBT Customer Service IVR at 1-800-554-5268. There is no need to call before April 28. 

For additional information about the new EBT fraud prevention features, please visit the SCDSS website. 

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