DSS urges SNAP recipients to take steps to prevent stolen benefits

ABC Columbia (FILE)

ABC Columbia (FILE)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The Department of Social Services (DSS) is urging SNAP recipients to take precautions to protect their benefits from phishing and potential electronic scams.

DSS says the phishing and potential electronic scams can wipe cards of their funds used to supplement the monthly household budgets of more than 277,000 households in South Carolina.

South Carolina SNAP recipients are encouraged to protect their SNAP information and EBT benefits in the following ways:

• Use Connect EBT on your mobile device. When using an app to access your benefits
  on a mobile device, be sure to use the official app for South Carolina DSS SNAP
  customers, which is Connect EBT. The South Carolina EBT Cardholder Portal can be
  accessed via the following URL: https://www.connectebt.com. The Connect EBT mobile
  app can found in the APP store for Android or iPhone. Unofficial apps are prevalent
  on app stores for both Apple and Android products and use of an unapproved
  third party app may expose your SNAP account information and EBT card number
  to thieves.
• Spot card skimmers. Before you swipe your EBT — or any — card, pay attention to the
  card reader. Is it loose, off-center, or do parts of it wiggle? Then don’t put your card
  there. Report it to the store manager and consider shopping elsewhere.
• Change your PIN often. Change your EBT PIN at least once a month, right before you
  get your next benefits.
• Watch for phishing. State agencies and EBT processors will never call or text you to
  ask for your PIN or card number. Anyone who does is a scammer.
• Check your EBT account regularly for 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.
  SNAP clients who believe their benefits were electronically stolen should immediately report the
  loss to local law enforcement, and recipients should call the 24-hour toll-free customer service
  line at 1-800-554-5268 to cancel their EBT card and protect their benefits.