Alabama will soon restrict the use of Electronic Benefit Transfer cards for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits outside the state and for online purchases as part of a security upgrade aimed at curbing electronic fraud.

Beginning next Thursday, Jan. 22, all EBT cards in Alabama will automatically default to a status labeled “Block High-Risk Transaction,” preventing purchases made online or at retailers located outside Alabama according to a news release. In-state transactions will continue as usual.

The Alabama Department of Human Resources said in teh release that the change is designed to better protect SNAP benefits and reduce losses tied to theft schemes such as skimming and other electronic fraud attempts.

“We are extremely pleased to announce this new feature because it should curtail more of the electronic fraud that is stealing funds from eligible clients,” said Commissioner Nancy Buckner in the release. “Over the past year we have implemented a number of new security features, with the assistance of our EBT card vendor, working to ensure SNAP benefits stay in the hands of Alabama families that need them.”

Cardholders who wish to shop online or outside Alabama will be able to temporarily unlock their cards through the ConnectEBT mobile app, the ConnectEBT website or by calling EBT Customer Service. Once the transaction is complete, users can reenable the block to maintain added protection.

Instructions for using those options are available through the DHR Food Assistance Division on the department’s website. SNAP recipients who have questions about the change may contact the Food Assistance Division at (800) 997-8888 or visit their local county DHR office.