News Summary
In a significant operation on October 22-23, 2025, the U.S. Secret Service uncovered and removed 22 illegal skimming devices from businesses in Baltimore. This proactive measure is projected to prevent a staggering $22.9 million in potential fraud losses. Collaborating with local law enforcement, the campaign focuses on combating EBT fraud and raising awareness among business owners to protect vulnerable consumers relying on government assistance. Through this initiative, the Secret Service reinforces its commitment to safeguarding communities against financial crime.
Baltimore – The U.S. Secret Service has successfully removed 22 illegal skimming devices from various businesses in Baltimore, a move that is estimated to have prevented potential fraud losses of approximately $22.9 million. This operation, conducted on October 22 and 23, 2025, was confirmed by officials on Friday and is part of a larger effort to combat electronic fraud across the nation.
In total, inspectors visited 493 businesses during the outreach operation, evaluating over 3,000 point-of-sale terminals, gas pumps, and ATMs. The initiative was a collaboration between the U.S. Secret Service, local law enforcement, and state agencies, highlighting the importance of teamwork in protecting consumers from fraud.
The operation’s primary focus was on Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) fraud and payment card skimming, crimes that predominantly target vulnerable populations who rely on government assistance for food and basic necessities. A significant aspect of the initiative included distributing educational materials to business owners about recognizing skimming devices and understanding the warning signs associated with them.
Multiple law enforcement agencies participated in this operation, including the Annapolis Police Department, Baltimore Police Department, Bel Air Police Department, Cecil County Sheriff’s Office, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Howard County Police Department, and personnel from the Maryland Department of Human Services. The collaborative nature of this outreach reflects a commitment to safeguarding community members against complex financial crimes.
Criminals often execute their fraudulent schemes around the time when government assistance benefits are deposited, utilizing skimming devices to record card numbers and PINs to create cloned cards. The Secret Service emphasized its unwavering dedication to combating EBT fraud and protecting populations that could potentially be victimized by such schemes.
The initiative is part of a more extensive nationwide campaign aimed at tackling EBT fraud and skimming, which collectively results in about $1 billion in annual losses for both consumers and financial institutions. These efforts not only involve direct action against fraud but also include a significant component of public education to raise awareness and empower consumers to protect themselves against such criminal activities.
By removing these skimming devices, the U.S. Secret Service and its partners have taken a significant step in mitigating fraud risks for businesses and consumers alike. This operation serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by financial crime in the digital age and the necessity for vigilance among both business owners and consumers in recognizing and reporting suspicious activities.
Baltimore’s recent operation reflects the critical nature of collaboration in law enforcement and the proactive measures taken to safeguard vulnerable communities against ever-evolving fraudulent tactics. As authorities continue to develop strategies to combat these crimes, ongoing education and community engagement will play a vital role in fostering a safer environment for consumers reliant on government assistance programs.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox Baltimore: Secret Service Removes Skimmers
- Wikipedia: Fraud
- Baltimore Sun: Secret Service Skimming Devices
- Google Search: Credit Card Skimming
- Nottingham MD: Illegal Card Skimmers Operation
- Google Scholar: Consumer Protection from Fraud
- CBS News: Card Skimmers at Royal Farms
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electronic Fraud
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.
