US Secret Service Cracks Down on Payment Card Fraud, Removes 22 Card Skimmers in Maryland Operation

• Significant seizure: A U.S. Secret Service operation in Maryland on October 22-23 resulted in the removal of 22 illegal card skimming devices.
• Widespread inspection: Law enforcement visited 493 businesses and inspected over 3,000 point-of-sale terminals, gas pumps, and ATMs.
• Substantial prevention: The effort is estimated to have prevented nearly $22.9 million in potential financial losses from fraudulent activity.

A law enforcement initiative focused on identifying and removing illegal ATM skimming devices from various commercial locations. This action is part of a broader national strategy to disrupt criminal networks targeting consumer financial data.

In a targeted operation on October 22 and 23, the U.S. Secret Service, in collaboration with local law enforcement partners, conducted a significant sweep across Maryland to combat payment card fraud. 

The Mechanics and Impact of Card Skimming

Over the two-day period, US agents inspected more than 3,000 point of sale terminals, gas pumps, and ATMs at 493 businesses, leading to the discovery and seizure of 22 sophisticated skimming devices.

Card skimming involves the installation of covert devices on legitimate card readers to illegally capture payment card data and personal identification numbers (PINs). Criminals use this stolen information to create counterfeit cards for unauthorized purchases or direct cash withdrawals, leading to substantial financial losses. 

The FBI estimates that this type of fraud costs financial institutions and consumers over $1 billion annually. 

The recent Maryland card skimming operation also highlighted the targeting of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which directly impacts vulnerable populations who rely on government assistance.

"The U.S. Secret Service, and our law enforcement and state agency partners, remain committed to combating EBT fraud and payment card skimming in Maryland and throughout the country," said Brian McDonough, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service's Baltimore Field Office, cited by CBS News.

Prevention and Public Vigilance Measures

Authorities advise the public to remain vigilant to protect themselves from skimming scams. Before using an ATM or point-of-sale terminal, individuals should inspect the card reader for any signs of tampering, such as loose parts, misalignment, or unusual thickness. 

Officials recommend using secure payment methods like tap-to-pay or chip technology whenever possible. 

When using a debit card at a gas pump, running it as a credit transaction can avoid the need to enter a PIN, adding a layer of security. This U.S. Secret Service operation highlights the importance of both law enforcement action and public awareness in preventing financial fraud.

In May, the U.S. Secret Service took down 55 skimmers, scanning 3,251 terminals as part of Operation Flagship.

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