I didn’t know my card was being robbed while I was just trying to buy gas or withdraw my own money. I walked up to what looked like a normal ATM or payment terminal, swiped my card, entered my PIN, and left—completely unaware that criminals had secretly installed a fake device over the machine to steal everything. My credit card information, my PIN, and even government assistance funds meant for food were quietly taken without my consent.
Across the country, we—the victims: everyday cardholders and EBT users— have been targeted by bold, organized skimming crews, who plant illegal devices on ATMs and gas pumps. These devices are designed to perfectly mimic real card readers, making it almost impossible for us to tell the difference. Once our information is stolen, it’s copied onto fake cards and drained for profit.
In 2025 alone, the U.S. Secret Service and local police had to step in because the damage was spiraling out of control. They searched more than 9,000 businesses nationwide and uncovered 411 illegal skimming devices—each one capable of stealing over $1 million from people like us. That means criminals were on track to steal more than $428 million if they weren’t stopped.
Cities all across the country were hit—including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Antonio, New York City, Miami, and many more. In San Antonio alone, 17 skimmers were found during just a two-day operation. That’s 17 silent traps waiting to steal from unsuspecting customers.
The situation is even worse for EBT card holders, many of whom rely on those funds to survive. Because EBT cards still use magnetic stripes instead of secure chip or tap technology, we are easier targets. Thieves know this—and they exploit it.
Now, federal agents warn that the scammers—organized criminal networks with possible cartel and transnational ties— are not just committing fraud, but potentially threatening national security. These aren’t small-time criminals. These are coordinated operations stealing millions while hiding in plain sight.
We’re being forced to protect ourselves because criminals are relentless. We’re told to tap instead of swipe, inspect every terminal, shield our PINs, and stay on high alert—especially in busy or tourist areas. That’s the reality we’re living with now.
Federal officials say this fight is far from over. The crackdown has begun, but the criminals haven’t stopped. And until these organizations are dismantled completely, we—the victims—remain on the front lines of this invisible theft.