"Tap to Pay": How to Protect Yourself From Skimmers
The U.S. Secret Service is actively working in the Seattle area to find and remove illegal card-skimming devices at retailers, ATMs, and gas pumps as part of "Joint Operation Pacific Northwest." The effort targets fraud from transnational organized crime groups stealing from government benefit recipients, but the threat extends to anyone who uses a payment terminal.
Since 2023, the Secret Service has conducted more than 70 operations and found just over 700 skimmers. Nationwide losses are estimated at well over $1 billion.
"The average consumer is not going to peg them with the naked eye." — Michael Peck, Assistant Special Agent in Charge
Peck says criminals place devices on payment terminals to capture card data, which is then used to access funds or make purchases for resale. Retailers are not knowingly involved. His top tip for consumers: use contactless payments or your card's chip instead of swiping. Check terminals for signs of tampering like glue, tape residue, or unusual protrusions.
"Tap to pay. That is your number one mechanism of safety."
