Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies collaborated in a two-day operation in Mobile, Alabama, to address payment card skimming and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) fraud. The U.S. Secret Service led the initiative, which involved visiting nearly 400 businesses in the region to check for illegal skimming devices on ATMs, gas pumps, and point-of-sale terminals.
During the outreach effort, ten teams consisting of Secret Service analysts and partners from multiple agencies recovered three illegal skimming devices in Chickasaw, Mobile, and Spanish Fort. Officials estimate that removing these devices prevented a potential loss of $3.1 million to government programs.
The operation also focused on educating business owners about EBT fraud and how to recognize signs of tampering with payment terminals. Informational materials were distributed to help businesses identify suspicious devices.
“This is part of a series of Secret Service-led outreach operations that have taken place across the country since April 2024,” according to the agency. In 2025 alone, law enforcement removed over 400 illegal skimming devices nationwide through similar efforts, preventing an estimated $428 million in potential losses.
So far this year, the Secret Service has visited 1,800 businesses and inspected almost 12,000 machines nationwide as part of its ongoing anti-skimming campaign. These inspections have uncovered 44 additional skimmers and stopped more than $45.8 million in fraudulent losses.
“If we can take these skimmers out and we can educate people to check, then we can make a big difference here locally. We can help the people who live here, and we can stop some of the fraud that’s happening with these skimmers,” said Resident Agent in Charge Jennifer Nissen of the Mobile Resident Office. “Thank you to all our Federal, state and local partners who helped in this effort. It’s a big outreach for us and we really want to push that education and let people know and be aware of what’s happening.”
Authorities noted that criminals often install skimming equipment on card readers at ATMs or merchant terminals to steal EBT or other payment card data. The stolen information is then encoded onto another magnetic stripe card for unauthorized purchases or withdrawals—often timed around monthly benefit deposits meant for families’ essential needs.
Law enforcement officials report an increase in such schemes targeting EBT cards nationwide—a trend impacting vulnerable communities relying on government assistance for food and basic items.
Consumers are encouraged to inspect card readers for irregularities before use; opt for tap-to-pay or chip-enabled cards when possible; shield their PINs during transactions; use well-lit indoor ATMs; and remain vigilant at tourist locations where scams are more common.
Officials say this multi-agency approach may serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges with EBT fraud and payment card skimming.
