News Summary
In a coordinated effort, the U.S. Secret Service removed 22 illegal skimming devices from businesses across Baltimore on October 22 and 23, 2025. This operation aimed to combat EBT fraud and prevent an estimated loss of $22.9 million. Inspecting 493 businesses, officials engaged local law enforcement to educate business owners on skimming detection and prevention strategies. The operation emphasizes the need for ongoing vigilance against electronic fraud and the collaboration of federal, state, and local agencies to protect consumers.
Baltimore – The U.S. Secret Service, in coordination with local law enforcement and state agencies, successfully removed 22 illegal skimming devices from businesses across Baltimore. This operation, which took place on October 22 and 23, 2025, was part of a broader initiative aimed at combating electronic benefits transfer (EBT) fraud and payment card skimming. The efforts have helped prevent an estimated potential loss of approximately $22.9 million associated with these fraudulent activities.
During the outreach operation, authorities inspected a total of 493 businesses in the Baltimore area. The inspection covered over 3,000 point-of-sale terminals, gas pumps, and ATMs. This widespread effort involved several local law enforcement agencies, including the Annapolis Police Department, Baltimore Police Department, Bel Air Police Department, Cecil County Sheriff’s Office, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, and Howard County Police Department. Personnel from the Maryland Department of Human Services also participated in the operation.
In addition to removing the skimming devices, educational materials were distributed to local businesses. These materials aimed to instruct business owners and employees on how to recognize the warning signs of skimming devices, ultimately empowering them to protect themselves and their customers. Skimming involves the illegal installation of devices on ATMs and point-of-sale terminals with the intent to steal card data and PIN entries. Such stolen data is often used to create counterfeit payment cards that scammers then utilize to make unauthorized purchases, affecting both consumers and financial institutions.
The U.S. Secret Service’s operation is a critical component of ongoing national efforts against EBT fraud and payment card skimming. According to the FBI, skimming leads to over $1 billion in annual losses, underscoring the need for proactive measures from law enforcement and businesses alike. Authorities stress the importance of visually inspecting ATMs and card readers for signs of tampering, such as misalignment or anything that appears out of place. To further reduce risk, users are encouraged to utilize tap-to-pay or chip technology instead of swiping their cards. When using debit cards at gas stations, it is also recommended to run them as credit transactions to avoid entering a PIN, which can help thwart potential skimming attempts.
This operation in Baltimore exemplifies the collaboration between federal, state, and local entities working together to enhance public awareness and protect consumers from fraudulent activities. The partnership’s success in removing these devices highlights the effectiveness of coordinated efforts in safeguarding local businesses and their customers from the growing threats of electronic fraud.
As technology evolves, so do the tactics of criminals engaging in skimming and other forms of fraud. Ongoing vigilance is required from both consumers and business owners to combat this pervasive issue effectively. Through education and timely intervention, authorities are working diligently to minimize the impact of such fraud on the economy and individual consumers.
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HERE Resources
U.S. Secret Service’s Operation Foils $22.9 Million in Fraud in Baltimore
U.S. Secret Service Removes 22 Skimming Devices in Baltimore
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Card Skimming ATM Scam in Maryland
- Wikipedia: Card Skimming
- Fox Baltimore: Secret Service Removes Skimmers from Baltimore Businesses
- Google Search: Card Skimming
- Baltimore Sun: Secret Service Skimming Devices in Baltimore
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electronic Fraud
- Nottingham MD: Secret Service Operation Nabs 22 Illegal Card Skimmers in Baltimore Area
- Google News: Credit Card Skimming
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
