Law enforcement recover 41 skimming devices across Georgia, including in Columbus
A coordinated two-day operation by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies across Georgia has resulted in the recovery of 41 illegal payment card skimming devices and the prevention of an estimated $43.7 million in potential fraud.
From August 7 to 8, the U.S. Secret Service, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Special Investigation Unit and law enforcement agencies across Georgia, conducted a wide-reaching outreach and enforcement effort targeting Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) fraud and card skimming. Over the course of the operation, officials visited more than 542 businesses across metro Atlanta and Columbus, inspecting ATMs, gas pumps, and point-of-sale terminals. A total of 3,408 inspections were carried out.
Authorities say the goal was to detect and remove illegal skimming devices and to educate business owners about how to spot and prevent EBT fraud.
The operation was supported by multiple local agencies, including police departments from Atlanta, Columbus, Rome, City of South Fulton, Carrollton, DeKalb County, University of North Georgia, Marietta, and Kennesaw. Sheriff’s deputies from Fulton, Muscogee, Douglas, Barrow, Jackson, Fayette, and Cobb Counties also participated, along with troopers from the Georgia State Patrol.
Officials say the scale and effectiveness of the effort could serve as a national model for other regions struggling with payment card and EBT fraud.
Skimming: A Billion-Dollar Threat
Criminals use skimming technology to steal payment card information including from EBT cards by placing hidden devices on ATMs, gas station pumps, and retail card readers. This data is then cloned onto other cards and used to make fraudulent purchases or cash withdrawals.
Skimming costs banks and consumers over $1 billion annually, and law enforcement agencies across the U.S. report a sharp rise in EBT-specific skimming. Unlike traditional payment card fraud, EBT fraud disproportionately affects vulnerable families who depend on monthly government assistance for basic needs.
“These criminals wait for government assistance funds to be deposited each month and then strike, often draining entire accounts within hours,” said a spokesperson from the U.S. Secret Service.
Community Outreach and Education
In addition to inspections and device recovery, officers distributed educational materials to help businesses identify and report suspicious devices. Outreach focused on prevention strategies to combat skimming at the source.
Businesses were urged to regularly inspect their card readers and train staff to spot devices that appear loose, damaged, or altered.
Tips for Consumers
Officials also issued several safety tips for consumers to avoid falling victim to skimming scams:
Inspect card readers before use. Avoid using machines that appear damaged, crooked, or tampered with.
Use tap-to-pay or chip-enabled cards when possible.
At gas stations, run debit cards as credit to avoid entering a PIN.
Shield your PIN from view when entering it, especially in public areas.
Choose well-lit, indoor ATMs which are more secure.
Stay vigilant in tourist-heavy areas, where skimming is more common.
Law enforcement agencies urge the public to report any suspicious devices or activity immediately.
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