COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Social Services is sharing the next steps residents should take if their SNAP benefits are stolen in the wake of what it described as a "handful" of recent fraud cases across the state.
Through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, officials said federal dollars could be used to replace SNAP benefits stolen through card skimming, cloning and other methods. This expires at the end of September. DSS said the act marked the first time the agency and state SNAP recipients had recourse to replace these benefits.
Victims of theft can visit this DSS webpage to see if they qualify for replacement and learn what steps they should take next. For those who have been the victim of theft and haven't yet reported the loss, DSS said they should call the 24-hour toll-free customer service line at 1-800-554-5268 to cancel their card.
SNAP clients who report stolen benefits will need to order a new EBT card, which will be verified when the affidavit is processed.
"As long as a SNAP household had their EBT card replaced after their benefits were reported stolen, we will not issue another new EBT card," the agency said in its statement.
DSS also shared tips from the Federal Trade Commission to help protect SNAP benefits from potential thieves.
These include paying attention to defects in card readers, such as loose or off-center parts that wiggle. If they do, notify a store manager and do not use the device.
DSS said SNAP benefits recipients should also consider changing their PIN often—at least once a month—before getting new benefits.
Recipients should also watch for phishing attempts to steal information by posing as legitimate agencies.
"State agencies and EBT processors will never call or text you to ask for your PIN or card number," DSS said. "Anyone who does is a scammer."
And finally, SNAP benefits recipients should check their accounts regularly to ensure there aren't any unauthorized charges.
"If you see any, change your PIN right away to stop the thief from making new purchases -- and contact your local SNAP office," officials said.