News Summary
In a significant operation, the U.S. Secret Service removed 22 illegal skimming devices from businesses in Baltimore, preventing an estimated $22.9 million in fraud. Conducted alongside local law enforcement, this effort targeted skimming on Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards used by vulnerable populations. Authorities inspected 493 businesses to safeguard consumer data and educate businesses about preventing skimming. This initiative is part of a larger nationwide effort to tackle increasing EBT fraud, which leads to significant financial losses annually.
Baltimore – The U.S. Secret Service has successfully removed 22 illegal skimming devices from various businesses in Baltimore this week, preventing an estimated $22.9 million in potential fraud losses. The operation, which was conducted over two days on October 22 and 23, has been confirmed by officials from the agency on Friday.
The operation was a collaborative effort involving local law enforcement and state 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 initiative.
During the operation, authorities inspected a total of 493 businesses, focusing on approximately 3,000 point-of-sale terminals, gas pumps, and ATMs. The goal was to identify and remove hidden skimming devices used by criminals to capture card data, particularly targeting Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards that provide assistance to vulnerable populations.
The increase in EBT fraud, which targets government assistance benefits for food and basic necessities, has been observed nationwide. Criminals exploit skimming devices attached to card readers, allowing them to capture card numbers and PINs to create cloned cards for fraudulent transactions. The operation in Baltimore is part of broader nationwide efforts to combat a growing concern that is leading to approximately $1 billion in annual losses due to skimming.
Alongside identifying and removing illegal devices, educating local businesses was a significant part of the operation. Authorities distributed educational materials to help business owners recognize the warning signs of illegal skimming devices and take proactive measures to safeguard their customers’ information.
Brian McDonough, the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Baltimore Field Office, emphasized the agency’s commitment to combatting EBT fraud and payment card skimming, acknowledging the risks posed to consumers in the region.
Consumers are also encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves against skimming. Being vigilant while using card readers, checking for unusual devices or tampering, and monitoring account statements regularly can help individuals avoid becoming victims of such fraud.
This operation in Baltimore stands as a critical measure to enhance safety and security in financial transactions at local businesses and serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by fraudsters who exploit technological vulnerabilities to target unsuspecting consumers.
As communities throughout the nation continue to see increases in skimming incidents, efforts like those demonstrated by the U.S. Secret Service in Baltimore are essential in combating this growing trend and protecting the public from financial harm.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Baltimore
- Wikipedia: Skimming (fraud)
- Baltimore Sun
- Google Search: skimming fraud
- Nottingham MD
- Google Scholar: card skimming operations
- WMAR 2 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: credit card fraud
- CBS News Baltimore
- Google News: card skimming Baltimore
- WBAL TV
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