(Washington, D.C.) – Today, the U.S. Secret Service is reporting the initial results of a successful ongoing counter-skimming operation established to protect consumers going into Memorial Day weekend. Over the last week, Secret Service agents participated in a nationwide agency led initiative to locate and recover illegal credit card skimming devices from fueling stations in advance of the upcoming high motorist travel weekend.
Skimming is a technique that uses electronic devices to steal encoded information on credit cards to commit fraud. Criminals surreptitiously install the small devices, known as skimmers, at gas pumps where they are able to capture the protected data of unsuspecting victims. Fueling stations are a prime target due the frequency of use and the criminal’s ability to install the devices and recover the stolen data undetected. Because today’s gas pumps are typically unattended, developing suspects and making arrests in skimming cases is difficult - but not impossible. The Secret Service is leading the charge to protect the U.S. consumer against this growing cyber-enabled financial crime.
With estimates of more than 40 million Americans traveling Memorial Day weekend, the Secret Service timed this skimming initiative to counter the criminal’s intent to take advantage of the increased travel period. The pre-Memorial Day counter-skimming operation has already led to the recovery of 72 skimmers nationwide. As the men and women of the Secret Service continue the hunt for additional illegal devices on both coasts and everywhere in-between, that number is likely to increase.
The Secret Service isn’t calling it quits there; this week’s effort is part of a larger coordinated plan to combat the increased prevalence of skimmers around the country. Recently, the Secret Service issued an alert to state and local law enforcement partners that contained specific technical information regarding what to look for; how to recover devices; evidence collection protocols; and, overall best practices for investigating skimming operations.
Special Agents and Investigative Analysts from around the country will continue to work closely with state and local law enforcement partners to minimize risks by informing the public and apprehending those responsible for credit card skimming operations.
**Credit card fraud is a Federal offense, carrying stiff penalties including heavy fines and lengthy prison sentences. More information for consumers who would like to report credit card fraud or protect themselves can be found at www.secretservice.gov. Select the "About" tab, FAQs, and scroll down to "Protecting Yourself" or simply click here.