Secret Service Busts Dozens of Card Skimmers Across Georgia in Major Fraud Crackdown

     Between GA :     A recent large-scale operation by the U.S. Secret Service, in partnership with federal and local agencies, led to the removal of more than 40 card skimmers at businesses across Georgia, with a major focus in metro Atlanta and Columbus. The sweeping effort took place over two days in early August 2025 and targeted areas most frequented by Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) users, such as dollar stores, grocery stores, and gas stations.

     Secret Service agents, joined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and local law enforcement, inspected 542 businesses and checked over 3,400 payment terminals and devices across Atlanta, Columbus, College Park, East Point, and Forest Park. During the operation, agents uncovered and removed 40 to 41 hidden skimming devices—small, often hard-to-detect overlays attached to card readers and keypads designed to illegally capture consumers’ card information.

     The agencies report that the detection and removal of these skimmers likely prevented an estimated $41.6 million in financial losses through card fraud and identity theft. Metro Atlanta now ranks as the second worst area in the United States for skimmer discoveries by percentage, just behind New York City.

     Skimmers target both credit/debit and EBT cards. Criminals stealthily attach electronic devices to point-of-sale terminals or ATMs to steal cardholder data and PINs. This stolen information can be recreated onto fraudulent cards for unauthorized withdrawals or high-value purchases—and is sometimes sold to other organized fraud rings.

     The crackdown is part of a nationwide initiative to combat increasing EBT and consumer card fraud, crimes often tied to transnational criminal organizations. Officials emphasize that while some skimming incidents do involve employees, most are external and highly coordinated. Local law enforcement is processing the confiscated skimming devices as evidence to further ongoing investigations into those responsible.

Authorities urge everyone to inspect payment terminals for:

• Raised or loose keypads/plastic edges,
• Unusual stickers or broken components,
• Lights or glue residue around the keypad or card slot.

     Where possible, they recommend using credit cards (not debit/EBT cards) at terminals, covering the keypad while entering PINs, and reporting any suspicious devices to store staff immediately.

     This successful operation highlights the growing threat of electronic payment fraud—and the need for constant vigilance from both businesses and consumers as criminals adapt to new technology.

     For further information and safety tips, the Secret Service encourages Georgians to stay alert when using any payment terminal and to follow updates from trusted local news outlets.